The Lagos State Government has detected some lies in the story of viral amputee who has generated a lot of sympathy in the tune of N25 million for putting up some fake story to generate funds from unsuspecting Nigerians.
The viral amputee known as Mary Daniel was filmed hawking pure water in Oshodi, Lagos few weeks ago. She narrated that she lost a leg in an accident that killed all passengers, including her parents when she was a teenager, a story which has now been discovered to be false, The Nation reported.
Daniel who became a sensation after her story went viral saw the good side of Nigerians as many trooped in to support her, knowing well that she is physically disadvantaged.
According to her story, as said in an interview, she claimed that she was an orphan with a baby and an aged grandmother to fend for.
She narrated how life dealt her several blows and she had to drop out of school and hit the streets to make ends meet.
Following her harrowing tales, Nigerians started donating money through her bank account made public with about N25m raised.
This prompted the state government to immediately shelter her to prevent criminals from taking advantage of her sudden fortune.
Read Also: Nigerians Raise Over N14m For Viral Amputee, Mary Daniel As Lagos State Govt Takes Over Her Welfare
Few days ago, she was honored with a photoshoot where she was well catered for and snapped in high quality makeup.
The Lagos State Government however discovered on Thursday that her father, who she claimed was dead, is still very much alive.
It was also discovered that she was amputated from birth and not as a result of an accident.
In further investigation by the State Government, it was gathered that she was receiving strange calls from those who staged her story with threats to reveal the truth unless she gave them their share of the money.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu told The Nation the young woman was in the custody of officials of the Social Welfare.
He said: “The police were there but she was not handed over to us. She was handed over to the Social Welfare. There were irregularities and lies in the account of her life she gave.
Read Also: Lagos amputee hawker celebrates birthday in a big way, set to open supermarket
“It was discovered that contrary to her claim that her parents died during an accident that left her amputated, it was discovered that her father is very much alive and that she was amputated from birth.
“It was also discovered that her presence in Oshodi was staged. Those working with her played on the intelligence of Nigerians to get donations for her.
“It came to light when the people started threatening her. She promised some N500,000 others different amounts and was planning to return to her home state when the information leaked.
“I had to attach some policemen to her to prevent any attack on her when she went to the bank. We suspected those people might follow her but everything went well as they were not seen.
“Presently, the state government is preventing her from accessing the money.
“The government does not want a situation where it will become a trend for people to cook up stories, manipulate the people to get donations,” Odumosu explained.
4 comments
O unfortunate how too many people tell lies to get support.
This is the very reason those genuinely in need don’t get the needed support.
What is the country turning into!
Many NGOs pay here and there to pad up lies, just for grant. How then will they do the work they intended in their proposal?
Some people inflate their medical treatment bill, and expect helpers like our NGOs not to do due diligence before helping them to cry out for supports…..
It’s high time we built up integrity in our community of persons with disabilities.
I didn’t expect this turn out at all. We would stay updated.
I believe we should always endeavor to verify these stories before rendering help. We’re too easily moved by sentiment. When the genuine folks in need tell us their truth we tend not to believe them.
My other concern is what would happen to the money? I hope it won’t grow wings and take flight into unknown aza. This is Nigeria where anything can happen. I fear my country people, especially those who are in position of power, influence and opportunity.
Everyone has one way or the other become a cheat, inconsiderate and dishonest. We shall cross our hands to see where this drama will end. Naija my Fatherland, I hail thee