The Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC/KAI) on October 16, 2025, arrested a Nollywood actress and an entrepreneur, Sarah Martins, for cooking meals on the state road in Lekki.
According to the agency, her actions violated environmental and sanitation laws, which pose dangers to public security, infrastructure, and traffic circulation.
While giving her side of the story, Martins accused the officials of bullying her.
She said that hot oil was poured on her hand during the struggle.
According to her, the officers seized her cooking equipment, confiscated food supplies, and manhandled her, leaving her with a visibly injured hand.
The video went viral and sparked controversy as netizens expressed their concerns over the incident.
Many netizens condemned the alleged assault and commended her for using her platform to promote compassion and community service.
However, some netizens also condemned her for violating environmental and sanitation laws, using humanitarian service as an excuse.
THE #20m Donation?
Sarah Martins, a Nollywood actress, reportedly received a N20 million payment from Seyi Tinubu, President Bola Tinubu’s son, to help fund her Golden Heart Foundation’s current initiative to feed needy children in Lagos State.
The N20m donation came barely a day after Martins was caught by officers of the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps, LAGESC/KAI, for cooking on a public median in Lekki Phase 1.
She said just 24 hours after the incident that Seyi Tinubu had made a N20 million donation to her organization to improve its operations and assure full compliance with state regulations.
SEYI TINUBU’S REACTION?
Seyi Tinubu, President Bola Tinubu’s son, has revealed that N20 million was actually donated to actress Sarah Martins’ Golden Heart Foundation.
He revealed that the N20 million was a decision made by some of his friends.
Tinubu stated on Instagram that he did not make the donation but was informed that some of his friends had donated funds to assist Martins’ charitable activities.
He wrote:
“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”.
“That said, I must emphasize that while their hearts were in the right place, I do not support any act that violates the laws of Lagos State.”
“Lagos thrives on order, and Nigeria’s strength depends on our collective respect for both our law and order, empathy, and patriotism, which must always go together,” he stated.
13 things you probably do not know about Sarah Martins, a Nollywood actress:
She is a Nollywood actress.
She was born on August 19, 1981 in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
She attended Owerri Girls’ Secondary School, where she excelled in academics and drama.
She attended University of Lagos where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts in 2004.
She is married to Uche Peters, a businessman. The marriage is blessed with two children – a son and a daughter.
She began her acting career in 2004
She featured in the television series “Tinsel”.
She has since appeared in several other television series, including “Madam Chief Minister,” “The Gods Are Wise,” and “The Widows“.
She has also starred in several films, including “Dangerous Mad Man,” “Family Lies,” and “Feast of The Spirits.”
She is a talented actress who is known for her versatility. She can play a wide range of roles, from comedy to drama.
She is also a gifted dancer and singer.
She has appeared in several popular films and television series, which have paid her well.
She also earns money from endorsement deals and her business ventures.