The Lagos State Government has reacted to a confrontation between Nollywood actress Sarah Martins and officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), following allegations that she was harassed and assaulted during a recent encounter in the state.
Martins had earlier taken to her Instagram page to claim that KAI officers assaulted her while she was cooking outdoors as part of a community outreach exercise.
Responding to the allegation in a statement on Friday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, defended the KAI operatives’ actions, stating that the actress’s activity violated Lagos State’s environmental and sanitation regulations.
Wahab explained that while the government commends residents who engage in charitable initiatives, such acts must comply with the law to maintain public safety and environmental order.
“The individual in question claimed to be conducting charitable cooking activities on the road median, which unfortunately contravened existing environmental and sanitation regulations,” Wahab said.
“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.”
He added that the enforcement action was necessary to prevent potential safety hazards and traffic obstruction, urging Lagos residents to obtain proper authorization before organizing similar public events.
“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,” the commissioner noted.