Police Issue Statement on Papaya Ex's Alleged Assault Incident in Lagos
The Nigerian Police Force has formally responded to allegations made by social media influencer Abike Raheem, widely known as Papaya Ex, regarding an alleged assault by officers during a midnight stop-and-search operation in Lagos. In a statement released on Saturday, February 21, 2026, Force Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin provided an account that he claims was omitted from Papaya Ex's narrative of the events.
Details of the Midnight Encounter and Police Account
According to Hundeyin, the incident occurred in the Ajah area of Lagos in the early hours of Friday, February 20. Police officers initially stopped Papaya Ex's vehicle at approximately 2 a.m. and requested to conduct a search. However, she reportedly refused, asserting her identity with the statement, "You cannot search my car. Don’t you know Papaya? Even your bosses know me." Following this refusal, she agreed to proceed to the police station, with an officer accompanying her in the car.
Hundeyin explained that Papaya Ex's vehicle led the way while a police patrol van followed behind. Allegedly, she then instructed her driver to speed off, leaving the patrol vehicle behind. The police radioed ahead to another team, which later intercepted her. It was at this point that Papaya Ex began a live broadcast on TikTok to share her version of events.
Papaya Ex's Allegations of Assault and Inappropriate Conduct
During the emotional TikTok live session, Papaya Ex accused the police officer of physical violence and inappropriate touching. She claimed that the officer struck her face with a gun and inappropriately hit her buttock and breast during the altercation. Additionally, she alleged that her driver was assaulted and that her phone was seized. While the alleged assault was not captured on video due to what she described as poor network connectivity, she displayed visible injuries, including a wound mark on her face, during the broadcast.
Papaya Ex described the incident as starting as a friendly exchange but quickly escalating into a confrontation. In the viral video circulating on social media, a police officer can be heard speaking during the heated argument between the parties.
Police Emphasis on Full Disclosure and Ongoing Investigations
The police statement emphasized that Papaya Ex did not provide a complete account of what transpired, focusing instead on her allegations without mentioning the initial refusal to comply with the stop-and-search procedure. Hundeyin's response aims to present the police's perspective, highlighting the sequence of events that led to the interception and subsequent live broadcast.
This incident has sparked discussions on social media regarding police conduct and the treatment of citizens during routine operations. The Nigerian Police Force has not indicated whether any disciplinary actions will be taken against the officers involved, but the statement suggests that investigations may be ongoing to ascertain the full details of the encounter.
