The Lagos State Government has warned Nollywood actress and comedian Sarah Martins to stop cooking and distributing food on the streets, cautioning that she risks arrest and prosecution if the activity continues.
The warning came in a public statement on Saturday from the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab. While acknowledging Martins’ charitable intentions, Wahab said cooking or trading on public roads, walkways, or medians violates Lagos environmental and public order regulations, posing safety, sanitation, and traffic risks.
“While we 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.
The commissioner noted that Martins had been cautioned over the same issue last year but resumed the activity. He urged her to channel her outreach through approved locations and proper channels to avoid legal consequences.
“You were previously cautioned about this same issue last year due to the understanding of its philanthropic intention. I strongly advise that you desist from carrying out street cooking or similar activities in public spaces in Lagos to avoid apprehension and prosecution,” Wahab said.
He added: “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 laws or creating environmental hazards.”
The commissioner stressed the expectation of civic compliance from all residents and visitors: “We expect everyone to be law-abiding in Lagos, just as they would in any other well-regulated city.”
Martins recently drew attention online after she was filmed cooking and distributing meals on Lagos streets. In October 2025, Lagos State Environmental officials apprehended her while she was cooking on a road median in Lekki, seizing her equipment. Videos of the incident, in which Martins appeared distressed and claimed she was burned by spilled hot oil, circulated widely, drawing mixed reactions.
The Lagos State Government defended the operation, citing violations of environmental and sanitation regulations.
The incident also involved Seyi Tinubu, after Martins announced on Instagram that she had received ₦20 million from his office to support her foundation. Seyi Tinubu clarified that the donation came from friends moved by compassion and stressed that he did not support activities that violate Lagos State laws.
