The Lagos State Police Command has issued an official response following a viral video posted online by social media influencer Abike Raheem, popularly known as Papaya Ex, in which she claimed to have been assaulted by a police officer during a late-night encounter in Lagos.
In a heartfelt TikTok live session on Friday, February 20, Papaya Ex alleged that the incident occurred in the Ajah area while she was returning from a movie set.
She claimed that the police officer slapped her, struck her face with his firearm, assaulted her driver, touched her inappropriately, and forcibly confiscated her mobile phone.
The influencer also displayed what appeared to be injuries sustained during the encounter, drawing significant attention from social media users and sparking widespread discussion about police conduct in Lagos.
Responding to the allegations, the Lagos Police, through their spokesperson SP Adebisi Abimbola, outlined the official account of events.
According to SP Abimbola, a white Mercedes-Benz SUV carrying five occupants—two females and three males—was intercepted during a routine stop-and-search operation.
When the vehicle’s occupants were questioned, they reportedly failed to provide valid identification or verifiable details.
One of the passengers reportedly claimed, “I am Papaya X, even your bosses know me,” but was unable to substantiate the statement with official documentation.
The Lagos Police emphasized that standard procedures require verification of identification regardless of a person’s public profile, to ensure the safety and security of all parties involved.
Following protocol, the officers requested that the vehicle proceed to Ajah Police Station for proper identification and documentation.
An Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) accompanied the vehicle, while other officers followed behind to ensure compliance.
However, the situation escalated when the driver reportedly attempted to evade the Lagos Police by speeding off from the checkpoint.
The vehicle was eventually intercepted at a second checkpoint near Addo Roundabout, through the swift intervention of personnel from Langbasa Police Division.
SP Abimbola noted that the viral video circulating online was recorded only after the vehicle had been successfully stopped at this secondary checkpoint.
The Lagos Police reassured the public that all actions taken by the officers were part of established procedures designed to maintain law and order while preventing potential threats to public safety.
The Lagos Police have stressed that the matter is currently under thorough investigation. SP Abimbola affirmed that the command will provide updates as the inquiry progresses.
The Lagos Police also reiterated their commitment to accountability, transparency, and ensuring that both citizens and officers are treated fairly under the law.
Social media reactions to Papaya Ex’s video have been intense, with many expressing outrage at the alleged misconduct, while others emphasized the need to wait for the outcome of the official investigation.
The situation has highlighted broader concerns about police interactions with the public, especially during late-night operations, and the importance of documenting such encounters responsibly.
The Lagos Police have appealed to the public to avoid spreading unverified information or making assumptions while the investigation is ongoing.
They encouraged anyone with relevant information about the incident to come forward and cooperate with authorities to ensure a comprehensive and fair review.
Papaya Ex’s video has reignited conversations about the balance between law enforcement authority and citizens’ rights.
Analysts suggest that incidents like this underscore the importance of ongoing police reforms and continuous training to ensure that officers conduct themselves professionally during routine operations.
The Lagos Police remain firm that no individual is above verification procedures, regardless of social media status or public recognition.
This principle is central to their operational protocol and is aimed at maintaining consistency, accountability, and public confidence in law enforcement.
As the investigation continues, both Papaya Ex and the Lagos Police are expected to provide official statements to clarify the sequence of events and the outcome of the inquiry.
Meanwhile, the public is encouraged to follow updates from credible sources to avoid misinformation.
This case serves as a reminder of the delicate nature of police-citizen interactions and the need for procedural adherence.
The Lagos Police command has assured that lessons will be learned from this incident to prevent similar occurrences in the future, reinforcing the values of professionalism, fairness, and the rule of law.
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