Lagos defends KAI action against actress Sarah Martins for unauthorised street cooking

The Lagos State Government has officially addressed the controversy involving Nollywood actress Sarah Martins and officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline, defending the enforcement action as a necessary measure against “engaging in unauthorised activities on public infrastructure.”

Report that Martins, the founder of the Golden Heart Foundation, had on Thursday alleged harassment by KAI officials after she was stopped from cooking food for people on a street in Lekki.

The report added that in videos circulating on social media, Martins was seen visibly distraught and in tears, clutching her hand, which appeared swollen and covered in a liquid substance said to be hot oil spilt on her hand during the enforcement action.

The videos reportedly sparked widespread outrage and mixed reactions online as some Nigerians condemned what they described as excessive and inhumane treatment by the officials, while others insisted that the task force was only enforcing the law.

Addressing the incident in a statement on X.com on Friday, the state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, clarified that the actress was apprehended for engaging in unauthorised activities on public infrastructure, specifically the road median.

“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,” the statement read.

While acknowledging the goodwill behind the actress’s activities, the Ministry stressed that charitable work is not exempt from state regulations.

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 partly read.

Wahab emphasised that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to fostering a clean, sustainable, and livable Lagos for all, hence “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.”

The commissioner also urged all residents to utilise designated spaces or seek necessary approvals for such activities to contribute positively without compromising the state’s standards.

“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,” the statement read.

reports that the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Sanwo-Olu, Jubril Gawat, had similarly confirmed on Thursday that the operation was part of the state’s efforts to keep Lagos clean and maintain order.