The Lagos State Government has warned Nollywood actress Sarah Martins to stop cooking and distributing food on Lagos streets, cautioning that she could face arrest and prosecution if the activity continues.
The warning was issued on Saturday in a public statement addressed to the actress by the state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.
Wahab acknowledged the charitable motive behind Martins’ outreach but said cooking or trading on public roads, walkways, and medians violates Lagos environmental and public order regulations, noting that such activities raise safety, sanitation, and traffic concerns.
“While we acknowledge and appreciate the spirit of charity and compassion behind what you are trying to do, carrying out such activities on public roads, walkways or medians is not permitted under Lagos environmental and public order regulations,” Wahab said.
He also noted that the actress had previously been cautioned about similar actions last year but had resumed the activity. The commissioner urged her to channel her philanthropic efforts through approved locations and proper channels to avoid enforcement actions.
“If you wish to continue your charitable outreach, it should be done through proper channels and in approved locations so that your efforts can support vulnerable people without violating existing laws and constituting environmental nuisance,” he added.
Martins had recently drawn attention online after videos showed her cooking and sharing meals with residents on Lagos streets.
In October 2025, officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline apprehended the actress while she was cooking on a road median in Lekki and confiscated her equipment. Videos from the incident circulated widely on social media, showing the actress visibly distressed and holding a hand she said was burned by hot oil during the confrontation.
The incident sparked mixed reactions, with some Nigerians criticising the officials’ conduct while others supported the enforcement of environmental regulations.
The controversy also involved Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, after Martins announced on Instagram that she had received ₦20 million from his office to support her foundation.
Seyi Tinubu later clarified that he did not personally make the donation, explaining that friends who were moved by her situation raised funds to help her secure a proper location for her charity work, while emphasising that he does not support actions that violate Lagos State laws.