- The Lagos State Government has addressed allegations made by actress Sarah Martins.
- Martins claimed she was assaulted by uniformed officers while distributing food to the less privileged.
- The incident took place in Lekki as she was preparing meals for homeless individuals.
The Lagos State Government has responded to accusations made by Nollywood actress Sarah Martins, who claimed she was assaulted by uniformed officers while distributing food to the less privileged
Martins had earlier shared her ordeal on Instagram, explaining that the incident occurred in Lekki as she was preparing meals for homeless individuals.
According to her account, a group of uniformed men believed to be officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC/KAI) interrupted her outreach program, confiscated her food items and cooking tools, and halted the activity.
In reaction to the viral post, the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources issued a statement on Thursday, October 16, clarifying its position on the matter.
The ministry confirmed that its officers had engaged with Martins but stated that her actions breached existing environmental and public safety regulations.
It explained that the actress was found cooking on a road median along Admiralty Way in Lekki Phase 1 an act classified as an illegal use of public property.
Part of the statement read:
“While the state appreciates acts of charity and benevolence, such initiatives must comply with established environmental and sanitation guidelines to ensure public health and safety.”
The ministry further warned that using public spaces for private or commercial purposes could cause infrastructure damage, traffic obstruction, and potential health hazards.
However, the government acknowledged the importance of humanitarian initiatives and urged Lagosians to work with relevant agencies to ensure that charitable programs are carried out in line with state regulations.
“We encourage all individuals and organizations engaged in philanthropic activities to liaise with the appropriate authorities for proper guidance and compliance,” the statement concluded.
See post below:
See some comments below:
@ng_gwg:”I saw the video and thought she should have asked for a permit or approval from her environmental or local authorities, and I’m sure she would have gotten it. Where Hilda did her rice cookathon, I’m certain she sought approval from safety, environmental, and local authorities. If everyone goes to the road to start cooking for different reasons, there will be chaos.”
@boda_lanre:”I always knew it would end like this. There are better ways to approach this philanthropic work, but cooking in open air on the road median???
It is even risky for her. God forbid a vehicle with brake issues. It certainly would be a different story.”
@PowerMast_:”Cooking on the road median where there’s electric streetlights cable buried underneath? Apart from the cable been buried in the median, why not cook at home?”
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