The Lagos State Government has addressed the allegations of harassment made by actress Sarah Martins against officials from the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) agency.
The issue gained public attention after a video emerged on Thursday, capturing the moment officials confronted Martins in the Ikate area of Lekki.
At the time of the incident, the actress was carrying out a charitable outreach, preparing and distributing free meals to underprivileged individuals.
Following the incident, Martins shared a video on Instagram, tearfully alleging that the officials “harassed and bullied” her.
She claimed that they seized the food she was preparing, along with her cooking gas and other belongings. She also alleged that the officers assaulted her and splashed hot 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.”
Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos commissioner for the environment and water resources, addressed the allegations in a statement posted on X.
While acknowledging the “spirit of philanthropy” behind her actions, Wahab clarified that the officials were carrying out lawful “enforcement actions”.
The commissioner explained that Martins was apprehended for “engaging in unauthorized activities on public infrastructure,” specifically cooking on a road median, contravening the state’s environmental and sanitation regulations.
Wahab also advised residents to obtain “necessary approvals” and “work with relevant agencies” before using public spaces for charitable or personal activities.
“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 post reads.
“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 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.”