The Lagos State Government has responded to allegations by Nollywood actress Sarah Martins, who accused officers of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) task force of harassment and assault during a recent encounter in Lagos.
New Daily Prime reports that the actress had earlier taken to Instagram to share that she was assaulted by KAI officials while carrying out an outdoor cooking exercise as part of a community outreach. The incident drew widespread attention online, with many Nigerians condemning the alleged misconduct of the officers.
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However, in an official statement released on Friday, Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, defended the actions of the KAI operatives, clarifying that Martins’s activities violated Lagos State’s environmental and sanitation regulations.
According to Wahab, while the government welcomes charitable and community-support efforts from residents, such initiatives must be done in line with state laws to protect public safety and maintain environmental order.
“The individual in question claimed to be conducting charitable cooking activities on the road median, which unfortunately contravened existing environmental and sanitation regulations,” the commissioner wrote.
He explained that outdoor cooking or gatherings on public roads and medians pose potential safety and traffic risks. The government, he noted, is not against philanthropic gestures but insists that all such activities must adhere to the city’s urban management standards.
“The Lagos State Government deeply appreciates the spirit of philanthropy and community support demonstrated by many residents, but such initiatives must be carried out in compliance with the state’s extant laws to ensure public safety, environmental protection, and urban order,” Wahab noted.
He further emphasized that the enforcement carried out by KAI officers was not targeted at Martins personally but was part of ongoing efforts to uphold the state’s environmental and public order regulations.
The commissioner also advised Lagos residents planning similar outreach programs or public events to obtain the necessary authorizations before using public spaces, adding that this would help avoid clashes with law enforcement agencies.
“Lagosians are encouraged to use designated spaces or seek necessary approvals for such activities so they can contribute positively without compromising the state’s standards,” Wahab added.
The statement comes amid growing online debate over the conduct of KAI officers and the state’s broader enforcement strategy, especially regarding informal street activities.
Meanwhile, Sarah Martins has yet to respond to the state’s statement as of press time. Her earlier post describing the encounter had sparked sympathy from fans and fellow entertainers, who called on authorities to investigate the alleged assault.
The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, reiterated its commitment to ensuring that law enforcement officers operate within the confines of the law while safeguarding the public.
With this latest response, the government aims to clarify its position, that while charitable acts are welcome, they must not violate public order or environmental regulations, especially in a city as densely populated and regulated as Lagos.
