The Lagos government has responded to Sarah Martins’ claim that Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) officers harassed her during a charity event in Lekki.
The controversy began after a video surfaced on Thursday showing KAI officers confronting the actress in the Ikate area of Lekki. At the time, Sarah Martins was cooking and distributing free meals to underprivileged people as part of her charity outreach.
After the encounter, Martins shared a tearful video on Instagram, claiming the officers “harassed and bullied” her. She alleged they confiscated her cooking gas, food, and other items. Martins also claimed one of the officers poured boiling oil on her arm.
“My heart aches. Today, as I was cooking free food for the vulnerable and homeless people on the streets of Lagos, like I always do, some uniformed men came there, harassed me, bullied me, and took away the food I was cooking, my cooking gas, and everything I was using,” she wrote.
“My only offence was serving love on a plate through my healthy meals. I am not a chef, and I do not cook for a living.”
In a statement on X, Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, addressed the situation. He stated that the officials carried out legitimate enforcement actions but recognized the “spirit of philanthropy” behind Martins’ efforts.
According to Wahab, the officers arrested Martins for “engaging in unauthorized activities on public infrastructure,” specifically cooking on a road median, which violates state environmental and sanitation laws. He advised residents to “work with relevant agencies” and obtain “necessary approvals” before using public spaces for private or charitable events.
“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 statement read.
“The individual in question claimed to be conducting charitable cooking activities on the road median, which unfortunately contravened existing environmental and sanitation regulations.
“The Lagos State Government deeply appreciates residents’ philanthropy and community support but insists they conduct such initiatives in line with state 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.”
