Follow Us on Google
By John Ogunsemore
The Lagos State Government has warned actress and philanthropist, Sarah Martins to stop cooking and distributing food on the streets of the state or risk being arrested and prosecuted.
Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab gave the warning in a Saturday statement shared on X.
Wahab said the state government acknowledged and appreciated the spirit of charity and compassion behind her act but maintained that carrying out such activities on public roads, walkways or medians is not permitted under Lagos environmental and public order regulations.
Addressing the actress directly, the commissioner said, “My attention has been drawn to your recent activity of cooking and distributing food on the streets of Lagos.
“While we acknowledge and appreciate the spirit of charity and compassion behind what you are trying to do, carrying out such activities on public roads, walkways or medians is not permitted under Lagos environmental and public order regulations. Cooking or trading on public infrastructure poses safety, sanitation and traffic concerns.
“You were previously cautioned about this same issue last year due to the understanding of it’s philanthropic intention and pleas. I would strongly advise that you desist from carrying out street cooking or similar activities in public spaces in Lagos in order to avoid apprehension and prosecution.”
The commissioner said that if the actress wished to continue her charitable outreach, it should be done through proper channels and in approved locations so that her efforts can support vulnerable people without violating existing laws and constituting environmental nuisance.
“We expect everyone to be law-abiding in Lagos, just as they would be in any other well-regulated city,” Wahab stated.
SunOnline recalls that Martins clashed with officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) squad in October 2025.
The KAI officers had seized her equipment for cooking on a road median in Lekki area of the state.
The incident generated a heated debate on social media, with many justifying or condemning the enforcement officers’ action.
