The Lagos State Government has revealed the reason behind the arrest of Nollywood actress Sarah Martins, who was apprehended by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC/KAI) on Wednesday, October 16, 2025.
Martins was reportedly arrested while cooking and distributing free meals to the less privileged on a public road median at Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1.
The incident, which was captured in several videos circulating online, sparked outrage among fans and social media users who accused authorities of targeting her humanitarian efforts.
However, the Lagos State Government has now broken its silence, clarifying that the actress violated environmental and sanitation regulations.
According to Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Sarah Martins’ activities on a public median were against the state’s environmental laws.
Wahab made the clarification in a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.
He stated that the actress’s action cooking and serving food on a busy public road was not only unsafe but also disrupted the city’s environmental order.
“Sarah Martins’ actions violated environmental and sanitation regulations,” Wahab said, reaffirming that the state remains committed to maintaining a clean, sustainable, and livable environment for all residents.
In the statement, Wahab urged residents and non-profit organisations to use designated spaces or seek necessary government approvals before conducting such outreach programs.
“We encourage all well-meaning Lagosians who wish to engage in charitable acts to make use of approved locations or obtain the required permits,” the statement added.
The Commissioner explained that while the government appreciates individuals and groups supporting the needy, all public activities must align with safety and environmental standards.
Meanwhile, Sarah Martins alleged that she was harassed by the arresting officers and claimed that hot oil was poured on her hand during the altercation.
The actress, known for her philanthropic work through her Golden Heart Foundation, had taken to social media earlier to express her displeasure over the incident.
The Golden Heart Foundation, which Martins founded in 2014, focuses on supporting vulnerable children and women across Nigeria through donations, food drives, and empowerment programs.
However, the actress has yet to respond publicly to the government’s official statement clarifying her arrest.
The arrest has stirred mixed reactions online. While some Nigerians believe Sarah Martins should have sought permission before using a public median for her outreach, others argue that the authorities should have shown leniency considering her intentions to feed the poor.
As of press time, Sarah Martins had not issued a follow-up statement regarding the incident or the government’s explanation.
