Lagos Police Command Spokesperson Reacts to Viral Video of Social Media Influencer Papaya Ex's Clash with Officer
The spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, SP Adebisi Abimbola, has officially responded to the trending video released by popular social media influencer Abike Raheem, widely known as Papaya Ex. In the viral footage, Papaya Ex claimed she was assaulted by a police officer during a late-night encounter in the Ajah area of Lagos.
Papaya Ex's Allegations in Emotional TikTok Live Session
During an emotional TikTok live broadcast on Friday, February 20, Papaya Ex detailed her account of the incident. She alleged that while returning from a movie set, a police officer accosted her in Ajah. According to her claims, the officer slapped her, struck her face with his firearm, assaulted her driver, touched her inappropriately, and forcibly confiscated her mobile phone. She also displayed what appeared to be injuries sustained during the encounter, adding emotional weight to her narrative that quickly captured public attention across social media platforms.
Official Police Statement: Facts of the Incident
In a formal statement released by the Lagos Police Command, SP Adebisi Abimbola provided the official account of events. According to police records, officers intercepted a white Mercedes-Benz SUV carrying five occupants—two females and three males—during a routine stop-and-search operation. When questioned, the occupants could not provide satisfactory means of identification. One individual repeatedly stated, "I am Papaya X, even your bosses know me," but failed to present any valid identification or offer verifiable personal details.
The officers then requested that the group proceed to Ajah Police Station for proper identification and documentation. An Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) joined them in the SUV while other officers followed behind in separate vehicles. However, upon leaving the initial scene, the driver suddenly accelerated and sped off in an apparent attempt to evade the police. The vehicle was subsequently intercepted through the swift intervention of personnel from Langbasa Police Division at another checkpoint around Addo Roundabout.
The viral video circulating on social media was recorded after the vehicle had been successfully stopped at this second checkpoint. The Lagos Police Command emphasized that the matter is currently under thorough investigation, with further updates to be communicated as necessary to ensure transparency and proper resolution.
Context and Public Reaction
This incident highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and citizens in Nigeria, particularly regarding police conduct during stop-and-search operations. Papaya Ex's substantial social media following amplified the video rapidly, sparking widespread debate about police accountability and citizen rights. The police response aims to provide factual context while maintaining that proper procedures were followed during the encounter, though the investigation continues to examine all aspects of the conflicting accounts.
