The Lagos State Government has reacted to confrontation between Nollywood actress Sarah Martins and officers of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI).
The actress had alleged she was harassed and assaulted during a recent encounter in Lagos.
Recall that Martins had earlier taken to her Instagram page to claim that the officers assaulted her while she was cooking outdoors as part of a community outreach exercise.
Responding to the claims in a statement on Friday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, defended the actions of the KAI operatives, stating that the actress’s activity violated state environmental regulations.
Wahab explained that while the government appreciates citizens who engage in charitable and community-support initiatives, such activities must comply with Lagos State’s environmental and sanitation laws.
“The individual in question claimed to be conducting charitable cooking activities on the road median, which unfortunately contravened existing environmental and sanitation regulations,
“The Lagos State Government deeply appreciates the spirit of philanthropy and community support demonstrated by many residents, but such initiatives must be carried out in compliance with the state’s extant laws to ensure public safety, environmental protection, and urban order.” Wahab said in a statement.
The commissioner added that the enforcement was necessary to prevent potential safety hazards and traffic disruptions, urging residents to obtain proper authorization before carrying out similar public activities.
“Lagosians are encouraged to use designated spaces or seek necessary approvals for such activities so they can contribute positively without compromising the state’s standards,” he noted.
