Lagos Arrests 96 Illegal Lottery Operators

The Lagos State government has arrested 96 illegal lottery operators in different parts of the state for contravening the Lagos Lottery Laws of 2004.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Lottery Board, Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila, who disclosed this yesterday, warned illegal lottery operators in the state against violating laws and statutory regulations guiding the lotto business and transaction.

According to him, only three lottery operators were duly licensed and recognised under the 2004 Lagos State Lottery Law.

He vowed to arrest and prosecute people who engage in illegal lottery transaction in any part of the state.

“It may interest you to know that the board has arrested 96 people found conducting illegal transaction within the Lagos metropolis since the beginning of 2010 and we are still going after other illegal lottery operators in the state,” he said.

The lotto boss expressed concern at the level at which the law establishing the Lagos Lottery Board was being infringed upon by illegal lottery operators.

“The Lagos Lottery Law Amendment 2004 is still valid and in full effect since it has not been abrogated and voided by any court of law.

“Offline, manual or coupon lottery is unacceptable and illegal under the law, therefore, any offender caught will forfeit all proceeds and premises where such transaction is taking place to the state government,” he added.

Gbajabiamila also frowned at the situation where proceeds from all the lottery transaction conducted in Lagos State will not be remitted within the state.