The Lagos State Government has reacted to confrontation between Nollywood actress Sarah Martins and officers of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI).
The actress had alleged she was harassed and assaulted during a recent encounter in Lagos.
Recall that Martins had earlier taken to her Instagram page to claim that the officers assaulted her while she was cooking outdoors as part of a community outreach exercise.
a trending video on social, the lady was seen lamenting over how the government officials maltreated her. She alleged that hot oil was poured on her hand while officials went away with her cooking equipment.
Responding to the claims in a statement the the Lagos State Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the incident occured in the Admiralty Area of Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
He said the woman contravened the existing environmental and sanitation regulations for engaging in unauthorized activities on public infrastructure.
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 contravene 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.