The Lagos State Government has again warned actress Sarah Martins against conducting charity cooking activities on public roads, walkways or medians in the state.
PREMIUM TIMES reported that the warning came four months after authorities apprehended her for a similar outreach programme in the Admiralty area of Lekki Phase 1.
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In October 2025, this newspaper reported that officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC/KAI) apprehended the actress for engaging in unauthorised activities on public infrastructure.
Although Objective Four of the LAGESC/KAI law on “street vending” prohibits cooking or selling food on roads and sidewalks, Ms Martins posted a video on her Instagram page on Friday showing herself cooking on a Lagos street.
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sumptuous delicacies
In the video’s caption, she said she missed the bond she shared with children on the streets and decided to return.
She added that they prepared, together, what she described as “sumptuous delicacies” during the outreach. “I was missing the bond I share with my kids in the street, so I paid them a visit, and we made a sumptuous delicacy together”, she wrote.
Govt frowns
Reacting to Ms Martin’s return to cooking on the street, the state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said his attention was drawn to the actress’s recent activity.
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Mr Wahab, in a post on his X page on Saturday, stated that the government acknowledged and appreciated her spirit of charity.
He added that such an act was not permitted under the state environmental and public order regulations.
He emphasised that while charitable initiatives were commendable, they must comply with the state’s environmental and sanitation laws.
He said: “Dear Sarah Martins, I hope you are well. My attention has been drawn to your recent activity of cooking and distributing food on the streets of Lagos. 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.”
Proper way
Additionally, Mr Wahab urged the actress to refrain from engaging in such acts in the future.
He advised Ms Martins to conduct any charitable outreach through proper channels and at approved locations if she wished to continue such activities.
“I would strongly advise that you desist from carrying out street cooking or similar activities in public spaces in Lagos 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 an environmental nuisance”, he said.
Mr Wahab reiterated the need for all Lagosians to abide by the state law just as they would in any other well-regulated city.
Backstory
This newspaper earlier reported that, after her arrest, the actress said Seyi Tinubu, son of Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, gave her N20 million to support her charity initiative.
In a video posted on her Instagram page, a woman was seen presenting an envelope said to contain N20 million to Ms Martins.
She explained that Mr Tinubu admired the actress’s humanitarian efforts and encouraged her to secure a proper shop to ensure public safety and sustain the initiative.
She also stated that Mr Tinubu promised to equip the shop with appropriate industrial equipment once the space was secured.
However, this newspaper later reported that Mr Tinubu clarified that the funds did not come from his personal account.
“I have been informed that some friends of mine, moved by compassion, raised funds to support a young woman who had an encounter with the law over an environmental violation.
“Their intention, I believe, was to help her secure a proper space to run her business, not to undermine the law. I appreciate their kindness and concern”, Seyi wrote on his Instagram Story.
The Imo-born actress began acting in 2004 but gained recognition for her charitable street cooking initiative.
She’s known for movies like “The Widows,” “Dangerous Mad Man,” “The Gods Are Wise,” “Family Lies,” and “Feast of the Spirits,” among others.
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