The Lagos State Government has responded to the controversy surrounding the detention of Nollywood actress Sarah Martins, who was apprehended while distributing food and aid to homeless individuals.
The event, which ignited widespread criticism on social media platforms, involved authorities taking the actress into custody for what they described as breaches of public safety and environmental regulations.
While carrying out her charitable food distribution in Lekki Phase 1 on Thursday, Sarah Martins alleged that officials from the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation (KAI) agency physically assaulted her.
Sharing her experience on Instagram, Sarah claimed that KAI operatives confiscated her food supplies and cooking equipment as she handed out free meals to vulnerable people along Admiralty Way.
She further revealed that the confrontation escalated into violence, stating that she suffered physical harm and sustained a burn on her hand from hot oil during the altercation with the KAI officers.
“My sole intention was to help those in need, yet this was the treatment I received,” the actress lamented, highlighting her frustration over the incident.
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In an official release on Thursday, the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources explained that the actress and her team conducted a public outreach without obtaining the necessary permits and obstructed pedestrian pathways. The ministry emphasized that although her motives were charitable, the approach endangered public safety and disrupted order.
Confirming that environmental inspectors detained Sarah Martins, the ministry stressed that her activities violated existing safety and sanitation laws.
The statement declared, “While the government values philanthropic efforts, such activities must adhere to environmental and sanitation regulations to protect public welfare.”
The ministry also noted that utilizing public spaces for personal or commercial purposes can damage infrastructure, hinder traffic flow, and pose health risks to the community.
Nonetheless, the government acknowledged the importance of charitable initiatives and encouraged Lagos residents to carry out such acts within legal frameworks.
“We call on all individuals and organizations engaged in charity work to collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure compliance with established guidelines,” the statement concluded.
