Police Break Silence: “Papaya Ex Refused Search” Amid Assault Controversy

According to Ireporter Online, the Nigeria Police Force has dismissed assault allegations made by social media influencer Abike Raheem, popularly known as Papaya Ex, following a late-night encounter with officers in Lagos. The influencer had recounted the incident during an emotional TikTok live session on Friday, claiming that she was physically assaulted, inappropriately touched, and had her phone forcefully taken while returning home from a movie shoot.

The Police spokesperson, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, clarified via his handle that the incident occurred just before 2 a.m. during a routine night patrol. Officers stopped a vehicle carrying three men and two women, requesting a standard search. According to Hundeyin, Papaya Ex initially refused the search, asserting, “You cannot search my car. Don’t you know Papaya? Even your bosses know me,” and chose to proceed to a police station. An officer later entered the vehicle, and the patrol team followed behind. The influencer instructed her driver to accelerate, temporarily leaving the patrol team behind, prompting police to radio ahead to intercept the vehicle.

Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer SP Abimbola Adebisi added that the white Mercedes-Benz SUV carrying five occupants was stopped because the passengers could not provide satisfactory identification. Efforts to document and verify their identities led officers to request that they proceed to Ajah Police Station. An assistant superintendent joined the SUV while other officers followed. However, the driver attempted to evade the police, leading to the vehicle’s interception at a second checkpoint near Addo Roundabout. The viral video circulating online was recorded after the vehicle was stopped. Police confirmed that the matter remains under investigation, and updates will be provided as the inquiry progresses.