The Lagos State Government has responded to Nollywood actress Sarah Martins’ allegations that she was assaulted by officers of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) task force during a community outreach in Lagos.
The actress had taken to Instagram earlier to allege that KAI officials harassed her, seized her cooking utensils, and disrupted her charitable initiative while she was preparing free meals for the homeless. She also shared a video showing injuries she claimed were sustained during the confrontation, sparking outrage and sympathy from fans online.
However, in a statement released on Friday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, defended the KAI operatives, explaining that Martins’ activity breached Lagos State’s environmental and sanitation regulations.
According to Wahab, while the state government encourages acts of charity and community support, they must be conducted in approved locations and in compliance with environmental laws to prevent health, safety, and traffic issues.
“The individual in question claimed to be conducting charitable cooking activities on the road median, which unfortunately contravened existing environmental and sanitation regulations,” Wahab clarified.
“The Lagos State Government deeply appreciates the spirit of philanthropy and community support demonstrated by many residents, but such initiatives must be carried out in compliance with the state’s extant laws to ensure public safety, environmental protection, and urban order.”
The commissioner further explained that the enforcement was not intended to discourage acts of kindness but to ensure such activities do not endanger the public or obstruct free movement within the city.
He urged residents to obtain the necessary authorization before embarking on similar projects to avoid conflict with law enforcement agencies.
“Lagosians are encouraged to use designated spaces or seek necessary approvals for such activities so they can contribute positively without compromising the state’s standards,” he added.
The development comes days after the actress’s emotional post went viral, where she lamented being “punished for serving love on a plate.” While the state insists on due process, the incident has sparked renewed debate about the balance between charity, public safety, and overzealous enforcement in Lagos.
