Nollywood actress Sarah Martins has clarified the circumstances surrounding her recent street cooking activity in Lagos, explaining that it was an emotional gesture aimed at reconnecting with vulnerable children rather than a deliberate violation of environmental laws.
Her clarification followed a caution issued by Tokunbo Wahab, who warned that cooking or distributing food on public roads contravenes environmental and public order regulations in Lagos.
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In response, Martins released an open letter explaining that the cooking activity did not take place on a walkway or a busy road as suggested.
“I would like to respectfully clarify that I did not cook on the walkway or on the main street,” she said.
According to the actress, the meal was prepared in front of a palace within the area and was supervised by security personnel to ensure that the activity did not disrupt public movement or create any form of nuisance.
“The meal was prepared in front of the King’s Palace under the supervision of security personnel, and the activity took place very far from the main road, ensuring that it did not obstruct movement or create any public nuisance,” she wrote.
Martins further explained that the moment was largely emotional, driven by her desire to reconnect with the children she has supported over time. She said she had missed the bond she shares with vulnerable street children in the area.
“The visit was simply born out of an emotional moment. I had deeply missed the bond I share with the vulnerable street children in that area,” she explained.
The actress revealed that whenever she drives past the area, the children often call out to her and ask her to return and cook with them, as she used to. She said that on that particular day, she decided to stop by and spend time with them.
“As I occasionally drive past that axis, the children often plead with me to come back and cook with them like I used to. On this particular day, I decided to spend some time with them and prepare a meal, purely to reconnect and create memories with the kids who have always shown me genuine love,” she added.
Despite her explanation, Martins apologised for any misunderstanding or perceived violation of the law, stressing that she respects the environmental and sanitation regulations of Lagos State.
“My brief return to that location was never intended to create any form of public nuisance, but simply to share a heartfelt moment with children who have continued to ask for my presence,” she said.
“However, if my actions were perceived as inappropriate in any way, I sincerely apologise. I hold the laws and environmental standards of Lagos State in the highest regard,” she added.
Looking ahead, the actress promised that all future charitable cooking activities would be conducted strictly within approved facilities.
She said her foundation, the Sarah Martins Golden Heart Foundation, has a dedicated charity kitchen where feeding programmes are expected to take place.
“Going forward, I will ensure that all cooking activities are carried out strictly within the charity kitchen provided for the foundation,” she stated.
Martins also expressed appreciation to Seyi Tinubu for supporting her foundation with a proper kitchen facility to help organise its feeding programmes.
“I would also like to emphasize that Mr. Seyi Tinubu generously empowered my foundation with a charity kitchen specifically to ensure that our feeding programs are conducted in a proper and organized environment,” she said.
She added that the foundation remains committed to using the facility to ensure its programmes are carried out in an orderly and lawful manner.
The clarification comes months after Martins was reportedly arrested in October 2025 by officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) while cooking on a road median in the Lekki area, during which some of her equipment was seized.
At the time, the Lagos State Government defended the action, citing environmental and sanitation regulations aimed at maintaining order and safety in public spaces.
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