Lagos Govt Defends KAI’s Action Against Sarah Martins For Street Cooking [Video]

The Lagos State Government has spoken out about the recent clash between Nollywood actress Sarah Martins and officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI).

Sarah Martins, who runs the Golden Heart Foundation, had accused KAI officials of harassing her on Thursday while she was distributing food to people on a street in Lekki.

Videos shared on social media showed the actress visibly shaken and in tears, with her hand appearing swollen and covered in what was described as hot oil that spilled during the confrontation.

The video drew mixed reactions on social media with some Nigerians condemning the officials for alleged brutality, while others argued that they were only enforcing the law.

In a statement released on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said Martins was apprehended for using a road median for activities not approved by the government.

Wahab argued that the enforcement was necessary because she was carrying out “unauthorised activities on public infrastructure.”

“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.

He acknowledged the actress’s charitable intentions but stressed that even humanitarian activities must comply with 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 noted that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains focused on keeping Lagos clean and safe.

He warned that using public spaces like road medians for personal or commercial purposes poses health, safety, and traffic risks.

“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,” he added.

He encouraged Lagosians to seek approvals or use designated spaces for charitable activities and to partner with agencies for guidance.

“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”, he added.

The government’s statement came a day after Sarah Martins shared her experience on Instagram, accusing KAI officers of harassment and violence during her food outreach.

The actress claimed that in the process of seizing her cooking gas and supplies, hot oil spilled on her hand, causing burns.

“She wrote: “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, took away my cooking gas and everything I was making free food with.

“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. My heart aches”.

Martins, known for her roles in Nollywood films, explained that her feeding program is a personal project aimed at supporting less privileged Lagos residents, not a commercial activity.

Watch the video below:

KanyiDaily recalls that Sarah Martins recently celebrated a new milestone after purchasing a brand-new Lexus SUV, revealing that she has only been in Lagos for a year.