Lagos State Warns Sarah Martins Over Street Food Distribution, Threatens Arrest

The Lagos State Government has issued a warning to Nollywood actress Sarah Martins over her street food charity, cautioning that she could face arrest if she continues preparing and distributing meals on public roads.

The warning was delivered on Saturday by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement addressed to the actress.

Wahab acknowledged that Martins’ actions were driven by goodwill and compassion but stressed that carrying out such activities on public roads, walkways or road medians violates Lagos environmental and public order laws. He explained that cooking or trading on public infrastructure could create sanitation concerns, safety risks and traffic disruptions.

He also revealed that the actress had earlier been cautioned about the same activity the previous year but had resumed it.

“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.”

“Cooking or trading on public infrastructure poses safety, sanitation and traffic concerns. You were previously cautioned about this same issue last year due to the understanding of its philanthropic intention and pleas.”

The commissioner urged Martins to stop conducting street cooking in public spaces and instead channel her charitable activities through approved venues and official platforms.

“You were previously cautioned about this same issue last year due to the understanding of it’s philanthropic intention and pleas. I would strongly advise that you desist from carrying out street cooking or similar activities in public spaces in Lagos in order to avoid apprehension and prosecution.”

“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.”

Wahab further reminded residents and visitors that Lagos expects strict adherence to its laws.

“We expect everyone to be law-abiding in Lagos, just as they would be in any other well-regulated city.”