Lagos Govt Justifies KAI’s Action Against Sarah Martins for Cooking Food on Public Infrastructure

The Lagos State Government has responded to the controversy surrounding Nollywood actress Sarah Martins and officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), describing the enforcement action as a lawful intervention against “unauthorised activities on public infrastructure.”

Martins, who is the founder of the Golden Heart Foundation, had earlier alleged that she was harassed by KAI officials while distributing food to people on a street in Lekki. Videos that surfaced online showed the actress visibly distressed, with her hand appearing swollen and coated with a liquid substance reported to be hot oil spilled during the confrontation.

The incident quickly sparked outrage on social media, with Nigerians divided over the conduct of the officials — some condemning their actions as excessive, while others defended them as necessary law enforcement.

In a statement released on X on Friday, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, clarified that the actress was apprehended for carrying out activities on a road median without authorisation.

“Our enforcement actions, including the arrest and removal of equipment in this case, are part of the #KeepLagosClean and #ZeroToleranceLagos campaigns aimed at preserving the city’s aesthetic and functional integrity,” Wahab stated.

He acknowledged the goodwill behind Martins’s charitable initiative but maintained that such actions must comply with state laws.

“The individual in question claimed to be conducting charitable cooking activities on the road median, which unfortunately contravened existing environmental and sanitation regulations.

“While the Lagos State Government deeply appreciates the spirit of philanthropy and community support demonstrated by many residents, such initiatives must be carried out in compliance with the state’s extant laws to ensure public safety, environmental protection, and urban order,” the statement read in part.

Wahab further reiterated that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration is dedicated to maintaining a clean, safe, and orderly Lagos.

“Unauthorised use of public spaces, such as road medians, for commercial or personal activities poses significant risks, including damage to infrastructure, health hazards, and disruption to traffic flow,” he added.

The commissioner also encouraged residents and organisations to work closely with relevant agencies when undertaking charitable or public projects.

“We urge all residents and organisations involved in charitable endeavours to partner with relevant agencies for guidance on compliant practices.

“This collaborative approach will help amplify the impact of goodwill while safeguarding our shared urban spaces,” Wahab stated.