Lagos Police Claim Influencer Papaya Ex Resisted Search

The Nigeria Police Force has addressed allegations made by Lagos-based influencer Papaya Ex, who accused an officer of assault during a stop-and-search operation in the Ajah area of Lagos.

The influencer, whose real name is Abike Raheem, shared her claims during an emotional TikTok live session on Friday night. She alleged that an officer struck her with a firearm, assaulted her driver, touched her inappropriately, and seized her phone while she was returning from a movie set.

During the livestream, she showed what appeared to be facial injuries. However, independent verification of the full circumstances surrounding the incident has yet to be established.

Her account quickly gained traction online, prompting widespread reactions and calls for an official investigation.

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Police Present a Different Narrative

In response, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, offered the police’s version of events via his verified social media account.

According to Hundeyin, the encounter occurred shortly before 2 a.m. when officers on routine patrol stopped a vehicle carrying five occupants, three men and two women, for a standard check. He stated that the group was unable to provide satisfactory identification when requested.

Hundeyin further alleged that Papaya Ex declined the search and referenced her public profile during the exchange. He said she insisted on proceeding to the police station instead, after which an officer entered her vehicle while other patrol officers followed behind in their van.

The police claim that the situation escalated when the driver allegedly sped off, prompting officers to radio a nearby patrol unit to intercept the vehicle at another checkpoint.

Interception at Second Checkpoint

Additional details were provided by the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi. She explained that the vehicle was eventually stopped near Addo Roundabout following intervention from another division.

According to Adebisi, the viral video circulating online was recorded after the vehicle had already been intercepted at the second checkpoint. She maintained that officers had initially requested the group to accompany them to the station for proper identification and documentation.

The police also emphasized that the matter is currently under investigation, and further updates will be communicated as findings emerge.

Public Reaction and Ongoing Investigation

The incident has sparked debate on social media, with some users demanding accountability while others urge caution until investigations are complete.

As of now, authorities say the case remains under review. With conflicting accounts from both sides, the outcome of the investigation will likely determine the next steps, and possibly shape broader conversations around police conduct and citizens’ rights during stop-and-search operations in Lagos.

For now, both the influencer’s allegations and the police’s counterclaims remain part of an unfolding story.