Actress Sarah Martins has clarified her recent street cooking activity in Lagos, saying it was an emotional gesture to reconnect with vulnerable children, not a deliberate breach of environmental laws.

Following a caution from the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, regarding cooking on public roads, Martins issued an open letter clarifying her actions.

“I would like to respectfully clarify that I did not cook on the walkway or on the main street.

“The meal was prepared in front of the King’s Palace under the supervision of security personnel, and the activity took place very far from the main road, ensuring that it did not obstruct movement or create any public nuisance,” she wrote.

She stated that her recent activity was an emotional reconnection with vulnerable children and occurred in a controlled environment, rather than on a main street or walkway.

“The visit was simply born out of an emotional moment. I had deeply missed the bond I share with the vulnerable street children in that area,” she explained.

“As I occasionally drive past that axis, the children often plead with me to come back and cook with them like I used to. On this particular day, I decided to spend some time with them and prepare a meal, purely to reconnect and create memories with the kids who have always shown me genuine love,” she added.

In her statement, she apologised for any perceived impropriety and reaffirmed her respect for Lagos State’s environmental laws.

“My brief return to that location was never intended to create any form of public nuisance, but simply to share a heartfelt moment with children who have continued to ask for my presence.

“However, if my actions were perceived as inappropriate in any way, I sincerely apologise. I hold the laws and environmental standards of Lagos State in the highest regard.”

She committed to conducting all future charitable cooking activities within the dedicated kitchen facility provided for the Sarah Martins Golden Heart Foundation.

“Going forward, I will ensure that all cooking activities are carried out strictly within the charity kitchen provided for the foundation”, she added.

Additionally, she expressed gratitude for Seyi Tinubu’s support, which secured a proper space for her foundation’s work, while noting that she aims to ensure all programs are conducted in an organised and lawful manner moving forward.

“I would also like to emphasize that Mr. Seyi Tinubu ( @seyitinubu ) generously empowered my foundation with a charity kitchen specifically to ensure that our feeding programs are conducted in a proper and organized environment. I do not take his generosity for granted, and my foundation has remained committed to using the charity kitchen for our regular feeding initiatives”, she wrote.

Recall that Martins was arrested in October 2025 by KAI officials while cooking on a Lekki road median, with her equipment seized.

The Lagos State Government defended the operation, citing environmental and sanitation regulations.