Papaya Ex Denies Police Allegations of Boasting and Evasion
Popular social media influencer Raheem Abike Halimah, widely known as Papaya Ex, has vehemently denied claims made by the Nigeria Police Force that she boasted about her influence and attempted to evade officers during a late-night traffic stop in Lagos. In a tearful video shared on her Instagram page, Papaya Ex rejected the police account, insisting that her documents were complete and that she never made such remarks. She explained that the incident occurred after a long day of filming, when she was dropping off her videographer and was stopped by officers in the Ajah area.
Details of the Alleged Assault and Harassment
Papaya Ex described the encounter as traumatic, revealing that a policeman assaulted her, snatched her phone, and forced her to use another device to go live online. She stated, "The policeman assaulted me, you guys saw the videos, you saw the pictures." She further detailed how a gun was pointed at her face, leaving her restless and unable to sleep, with the scenario repeatedly replaying in her mind. The influencer expressed concern about what might have happened if she had not been popular or lacked a phone to record the ordeal, highlighting the potential risks for ordinary citizens.
Police Counterclaims and Papaya Ex's Response
Earlier, Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin countered Papaya Ex's initial claims, explaining that she was stopped around 2 a.m. and refused a search, allegedly telling officers that even their bosses knew her. He added that she later ordered her driver to speed off in an attempt to evade officers before being stopped again at Ado Roundabout by officers from the Langbasa Police Station. However, Papaya Ex denied this version of events, emphasizing that she was not seeking conflict and appealed to the police to cease spreading false stories about her. She noted that she had been fasting, had not eaten, and spent long hours at the station before being asked to report again on Monday.
Background and Broader Context
The incident has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many users expressing support for Papaya Ex and calling for accountability in police conduct. This case follows previous reports of alleged harassment by police officers in Nigeria, raising concerns about public safety and the treatment of citizens during routine stops. Papaya Ex's ordeal underscores the challenges faced by individuals, especially women and public figures, in navigating interactions with law enforcement. Her appeal for peace and truth highlights the need for transparent investigations and respectful dialogue between the public and police authorities.
In related news, Papaya Ex recently called out a video editor for mocking her pronunciation at an event, accusing them of unprofessional behavior and using her as clickbait. This incident adds to the ongoing conversations about digital ethics and the pressures faced by influencers in the entertainment industry. As the story develops, observers are watching for further responses from both Papaya Ex and the Nigeria Police Force, with hopes for a resolution that ensures justice and prevents similar occurrences in the future.
