The Lagos State Government has confirmed the arrest of Nollywood actress, Sarah Martins, by its environmental officers, stating that her charity activities violate existing sanitation and safety regulations.
Naijaonpoint reports that the movie star, who shared her ordeal on Instagram, said she was cooking for the less privileged when officers of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) task force approached her.
According to her, the men harassed and bullied her before seizing her cooking gas, food items, and other materials she was using to make the meals.
In response, the Commissioner of Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement via 𝕏, said Sarah was cooking on a road median in the Admiralty area of Lekki Phase 1, an act the government described as unauthorised use of public infrastructure.
Wahab noted that using public spaces for personal or commercial purposes could damage infrastructure, disrupt traffic flow, and pose health hazards to residents.
While acknowledging the importance of charitable activities, the Commissioner encouraged people to carry out their philanthropic endeavours within the law.
The statement reads, “The Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources wishes to address a recent incident in the Admiralty area of Lekki Phase 1, where an individual was apprehended by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC/KAI) for engaging in unauthorized activities on public infrastructure.
“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 administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to fostering a clean, sustainable, and livable Lagos for all. Unauthorized 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. 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.
“Lagosians are encouraged to utilize designated spaces or seek necessary approvals for such activities to contribute positively without compromising the state’s standards.
“We urge all residents and organizations involved in charitable endeavors 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.”
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