Lagos defends KAI officers after actress Sarah Martins alleges assault during charity activity
Lagos government responds to allegations
The Lagos State Government has responded to allegations by Nollywood actress Sarah Martins, who claimed she was assaulted by Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) officers during a charity feeding activity in Lekki.
In a statement issued on Friday, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, defended the actions of the enforcement officers, describing them as part of efforts to uphold environmental and sanitation laws in the state.
Martins was reportedly apprehended by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC/KAI) at the Admiralty area of Lekki Phase 1, for conducting what the government called “unauthorised activities on public infrastructure”, specifically cooking on a road median.
“Philanthropy must comply with the law” — Lagos
Wahab explained that while the government appreciates philanthropic initiatives, such activities must comply with existing environmental regulations to ensure public safety and urban 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 stated.
“While the Lagos State Government deeply appreciates the spirit of philanthropy and community support demonstrated by many residents, such initiatives must be carried out in compliance with the state’s extant laws to ensure public safety, environmental protection, and urban order.”
Enforcement described as routine
The commissioner noted that the enforcement action — which included the arrest of Martins and the removal of her equipment — was a routine exercise aimed at protecting public infrastructure and preventing disruptions.
He added that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to maintaining environmental standards through campaigns such as #KeepLagosClean and #ZeroToleranceLagos.
“Unauthorized use of public spaces, such as road medians, for commercial or personal activities poses significant risks, including damage to infrastructure, health hazards, and disruption to traffic flow,” Wahab said.
“Our enforcement actions are part of the state’s efforts to preserve the city’s aesthetic and functional integrity.”
Call for compliance and collaboration
Wahab encouraged residents and organizations engaging in charitable activities to seek official approvals or use designated spaces.
“Lagosians are encouraged to utilize designated spaces or seek necessary approvals for such activities to contribute positively without compromising the state’s standards,” he said.
“We urge all residents and organizations involved in charitable endeavors to partner with relevant agencies for guidance on compliant practices. This collaborative approach will help amplify the impact of goodwill while safeguarding our shared urban spaces.”
Martins recounts ordeal
The government’s response follows Martins’ Instagram post on Thursday, where she detailed her experience, claiming that she was harassed, bullied, and injured during the confrontation.
According to her, the altercation resulted in hot oil spilling on her hand, causing burns, while her cooking gas, food, and other supplies were seized.
“It was an unfair attack on a routine act of feeding the homeless,” she wrote.
Balancing enforcement and charity
The incident has sparked conversations online about how Lagos balances urban order with humanitarian initiatives. While many agree that public spaces should be regulated, others believe that authorities should work more closely with citizens to encourage charitable acts without punitive confrontations.
