Lagos Defends KAI Action Against Actress Sarah Martins Over Street Cooking Incident!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

The Lagos State Government has defended the actions of its Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) officials following their confrontation with Nollywood actress Sarah Martins, who was reportedly engaged in unauthorised street cooking on a public drainage facility.

What We Know:

• The incident sparked public backlash after videos circulated online showing Martins being confronted by KAI operatives.
• The actress claimed she was harassed while shooting a skit aimed at promoting Lagos street food culture.
• Lagos State clarified that cooking or filming on drainage covers and public walkways violates environmental and urban safety laws.

Government’s Position:

• The Ministry of Environment described the action as lawful, noting that KAI officials acted within their mandate to prevent misuse of public infrastructure.
• Officials urged creatives to obtain proper permits and avoid obstructing urban infrastructure for content creation.

Why It Matters:

• The case highlights growing tension between content creators and urban regulatory frameworks.
• It also draws attention to public safety concerns related to open flames and structures on public utilities.
• The government reiterated support for the creative industry—but within the bounds of safety and environmental responsibility.

Citations:

1. Lagos State Ministry of Environment – Press Release, Oct. 2025
2. KAI Enforcement Guidelines
3. Vanguard Nigeria – www.vanguardngr.com

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