The Lagos State Government has explained the reason behind the arrest of controversial Nollywood actress Sarah Martins, who was apprehended earlier this week by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC/KAI).
It would be recalled that Sarah Martins was arrested on October 16, 2025, while cooking and distributing free meals to the less privileged on a public road median at Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1.
Following the incident, the actress alleged that she was harassed and that hot oil was poured on her hand during an altercation with the officials.
However, in a statement released by Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, the government clarified that the actress violated environmental and sanitation regulations.
According to the statement, Sarah Martins’ action posed risks to public safety, infrastructure, and traffic flow, prompting officials to intervene.
“Activities such as cooking and food distribution on public road medians are strictly prohibited. They obstruct traffic and compromise public safety,” Wahab noted.
The statement further emphasized the state government’s commitment to maintaining a clean, sustainable, and livable environment for all residents. It also urged Lagosians to use designated areas or obtain the necessary official approvals before conducting such charitable activities.
Sarah Martins is the founder of the Golden Heart Foundation, a non-profit organization established in 2014 to support vulnerable children and women across Nigeria.
As of the time of this report, the actress has not issued a public response to the Lagos State Government’s explanation regarding her arrest.
