Lagos Police Respond to Papaya Ex Assault Allegations: A Case of Brutality or Resistance? ~ 9jaSonic

The digital landscape in Nigeria has been set ablaze following a series of distressing allegations made by popular social media influencer and content creator, Abike Halima Raheem, better known as Papaya Ex. In an emotional TikTok live session that went viral on Saturday, February 21, 2026, the influencer accused officers of the Lagos State Police Command of physical and sexual assault. However, the Lagos State Police Command has now officially broken its silence, offering a counter-narrative that paints a picture of resistance and evasion.

The Allegations: Papaya Ex Speaks Out

The controversy began when Papaya Ex took to social media, visibly shaken and showing facial injuries, to detail a late-night encounter in the Ajah area of Lagos. According to her account, she was returning from a movie set just before 2 am when she was stopped by police officers.

The influencer alleged that what started as a stop-and-search quickly turned violent. She claimed that an officer:

Struck her face with a gun barrel, causing visible bleeding and swelling.
Assaulted her driver and manhandled other occupants of the vehicle.
Indecently touched her, specifically hitting her breasts and buttocks.
Forcibly seized her mobile device to prevent her from recording the encounter.

During her live broadcast, Papaya Ex tearfully expressed her frustration, stating that harassment by security operatives has become a recurring nightmare for residents in the Ajah and Lekki axis of Lagos.

The Official Response: Police Counter-Claims of Resistance

In a swift response to the viral outcry, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, released a statement providing the Command's version of the events. According to the police, the incident was not a case of unprovoked brutality but rather a consequence of the influencer's refusal to comply with standard security procedures.

Hundeyin stated that officers on routine night patrol stopped a vehicle carrying three men and two women. He alleged that Papaya Ex "bluntly refused" a search of the vehicle, reportedly saying, "You cannot search my car. Don’t you know Papaya? Even your bosses know me."

The police spokesperson further clarified that the influencer initially refused to allow an officer into her car to proceed to the station. When she eventually agreed, she allegedly instructed her driver to speed off at high velocity, leaving the police patrol vehicle far behind in an apparent attempt to evade the officers. The police maintain that any physical engagement was a result of the struggle to maintain order and ensure the security search was conducted.

The Gap Between Two Stories

The clash between Papaya Ex and the Lagos Police highlights a deep-seated tension in Nigerian society: the friction between high-profile citizens and law enforcement.

On one hand, the influencer presents a narrative of a citizen being bullied and physically harmed by those meant to protect her.
On the other hand, the police present a narrative of "celebrity entitlement" where individuals believe they are above the law and routine security checks.

While the police account emphasizes obstruction of justice and evasion, it does not explicitly deny or justify the facial injuries displayed by the influencer on camera. Conversely, Papaya Ex's account focuses on the physical violation of her person but omits the details regarding her alleged refusal to be searched.

Public Reaction and the Call for Investigation

Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram have become the primary battlegrounds for this debate. The hashtag #JusticeForPapayaEx has trended alongside discussions on #PoliceAccountability.

Human rights advocates argue that even if a citizen is uncooperative or "arrogant," it does not grant a law enforcement officer the right to strike them in the face with a weapon or engage in any form of sexual harassment. Under the Nigeria Police Act and the Anti-Torture Act, the use of force must be proportional and necessary.

The Ajah Security Context

The Ajah area of Lagos has long been a hotspot for complaints regarding police conduct. Many residents have previously alleged that late-night patrols often target youths in expensive cars or those with a significant social media presence. This latest incident with Papaya Ex has reignited the conversation regarding the need for body cameras for officers on patrol to provide an unbiased record of such encounters.

What’s Next for Papaya Ex and the Lagos Police?

The Lagos State Police Command has indicated that investigations are ongoing. It remains to be seen if disciplinary actions will be taken against the officers involved or if the influencer will face charges for obstruction of justice.

For Papaya Ex, this incident adds to the list of Nigerian celebrities who have used their platforms to shine a light on police-citizen relations. Whether this leads to a formal lawsuit or a mediated settlement, it serves as a stark reminder that the "EndSARS" spirit remains very much alive in the Nigerian public's demand for professional policing.

Conclusion

As this story develops, the core issue remains the transparency of law enforcement. While the police are duty-bound to conduct searches for public safety, the methods used must respect the fundamental human rights of the citizens. We will continue to provide updates as more information, including potential dashcam or CCTV footage, becomes available.

9jaSonic Blog