Sh*ckwaves In Nollywood: Lagos Govt Reveals Startling Reason Behind Sarah Martins’ Detention

The Lagos State Government has confirmed the arrest of Nollywood actress Sarah Martins by its environmental enforcement officers, explaining that her charity outreach violated the state’s sanitation and safety regulations.

The actress had earlier taken to Instagram to narrate her experience, revealing that she was preparing meals for the less privileged when operatives of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) task force approached her.

According to Martins, the officers allegedly harassed and bullied her before confiscating her cooking gas, food items, and other materials used for the outreach.

Responding to the incident, Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, clarified in a statement posted on that the actress was cooking on a road median in the Admiralty area of Lekki Phase 1 — an act classified as unauthorized use of public infrastructure.

Wahab emphasized that using public spaces for personal or commercial purposes can damage infrastructure, obstruct traffic, and create health risks for residents.

While acknowledging the value of charitable acts, the Commissioner urged citizens to conduct their philanthropic activities within the bounds of the law.

“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 individual claimed to be carrying out charitable cooking on a road median — an act that contravenes the state’s environmental and sanitation laws.

While the government appreciates residents’ philanthropic spirit, such initiatives must comply with the state’s regulations to ensure public safety, environmental protection, and urban order,” Wahab stated.

He further noted that the enforcement aligns with the #KeepLagosClean and #ZeroToleranceLagos campaigns under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, aimed at maintaining a clean, safe, and sustainable Lagos.

The Commissioner urged residents to seek official approval or use designated spaces for such charitable events to avoid violating state regulations.

“We encourage individuals and organizations engaging in charity to partner with relevant agencies for proper guidance. This cooperation will ensure their goodwill efforts make a lasting positive impact without compromising the integrity of our urban environment,” Wahab added.