Lagos defends KAI over actress Sarah Martins’ street cooking arrest

The Lagos State Government has defended the actions of officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) against Nollywood actress Sarah Martins, saying her arrest was in line with existing laws prohibiting unauthorised use of public infrastructure.

The incident, which occurred in Lekki, sparked online outrage after videos showed the actress in tears with a swollen hand allegedly burned by hot oil during the enforcement operation.

Martins claimed she was harassed while cooking food to share with the public as part of a charitable initiative.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, clarified that Martins was apprehended for cooking on a road median — an offence under Lagos environmental and sanitation laws.

“Our enforcement actions, including the arrest and removal of equipment, are part of the #KeepLagosClean and #ZeroToleranceLagos campaigns aimed at preserving the city’s aesthetic and functional integrity,” Wahab said.

While acknowledging her charitable intentions, Wahab stressed that such activities must adhere to state regulations.

“The individual in question claimed to be conducting charitable cooking on a road median, which contravenes environmental and sanitation rules.

While the state appreciates acts of philanthropy, they must be carried out lawfully to ensure public safety and order,” he added.

He further explained that unauthorised use of public spaces poses risks such as infrastructure damage, health hazards, and traffic disruption.

Wahab urged residents and organisations engaged in charity to collaborate with relevant government agencies to obtain proper guidance and approvals.

Similarly, the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Jubril Gawat, confirmed that the operation was part of Lagos’s broader efforts to maintain urban cleanliness and order.