Police Dispute Papaya Ex Assault Allegations, Claim Influencer Evaded Routine Stop-and-Search in Lagos!
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Police Dispute Papaya Ex Assault Allegations, Claim Influencer Evaded Routine Stop-and-Search in Lagos!
Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan, Editor-in-chief | Sele Media Africa.
The Nigeria Police Force has rejected assault allegations made by social media influencer Papaya Ex, stating that she refused a routine vehicle search and attempted to evade officers during a late-night patrol operation in Lagos.
The incident, which reportedly occurred in the Ajah area in the early hours of the morning, has generated widespread public debate after Papaya Ex—whose real name is Abike Raheem—accused a police officer of physically assaulting her and harassing occupants of her vehicle during a stop. She claimed in a viral livestream that the officer struck her with a firearm, touched her inappropriately, and assaulted her driver.
Police Version of Events
In response, the police said the encounter began as a routine stop-and-search involving a vehicle carrying five occupants. Officers reportedly requested identification, but the occupants were unable to provide satisfactory documentation.
According to police statements, Papaya Ex allegedly refused to allow officers to search the vehicle and insisted on proceeding to a police station instead. An officer then entered the vehicle while patrol units followed behind. Authorities claim the driver suddenly sped off in what they described as an attempt to evade law enforcement, prompting officers to alert another patrol team ahead to intercept the vehicle.
Police added that the viral video circulating online was recorded only after the vehicle had been intercepted at a secondary checkpoint, and not during the initial stop.
Conflicting Claims
Papaya Ex maintains that the confrontation escalated after what she described as an initially calm interaction with officers. She said the alleged assault occurred inside her vehicle and was not captured on video due to network issues during the livestream.
Videos that later surfaced online show a heated exchange between the influencer and officers but do not clearly document the alleged assault, leaving key aspects of the incident unverified.
Investigation Ongoing
Police authorities say the matter remains under investigation, with further updates expected as inquiries continue.
The case highlights recurring tensions between civilians and law enforcement during routine stop-and-search operations in Nigeria, particularly when incidents are documented and shared on social media in real time.
Source
Punch Newspapers, Vanguard, Daily Post Nigeria, The Nation, and Naija News.
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