Lagos police PRO reacts to trending video of social media influencer Papaya Ex’s clash with a police officer

The spokesperson of the Lagos state police command, SP Adebisi Abimbola, has reacted to the viral video released by social media influencer Abike Raheem, popularly known as Papaya Ex, in which she claimed she was ass@ulted by an officer during a late-night encounter in Lagos.

During an emotional TikTok live session on Friday, February 20, Papaya alleged that the police officer accosted her in the Ajah area while she was returning from a movie set.

She claimed the officer slapped her, struck her face with his gun, ass@ulted her driver, touched her inappropriately and forcibly collected her mobile phone. She also displayed what appeared to be injuries . 

In a statement released, the command’s spokesperson, SP Adebisi, said 

FACTS OF THE INCIDENT

A white Mercedes-Benz SUV conveying five (5) occupants two (2) females and three (3) males was intercepted during a routine stop-and-search operation.

When questioned, the occupants were unable to provide satisfactory means of identification. One of them repeatedly stated, “I am Papaya X, even your bosses know me,” but failed to present any valid identification or offer verifiable details.

The officers thereafter requested that they proceed to Ajah Police Station for proper identification and documentation. An (ASP) joined them in the SUV, while other officers followed behind.

However, upon leaving the scene, the driver suddenly 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 being circulated was recorded after the vehicle had been successfully stopped at the second checkpoint.

The matter is currently under investigation, and further updates will be communicated as necessary.”

Lagos police PRO reacts to trending video of social media influencer Papaya Ex’s clash with a police officer