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The spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, SP Adebisi Abimbola, has reacted to a viral video released by social media influencer Abike Raheem, popularly known as Papaya Ex, in which she alleged that she was ass@ulted by a police officer during a late-night encounter in Lagos.
During an emotional TikTok live session on Friday, February 20, Papaya claimed she was accosted by an officer in the Ajah area while returning from a movie set. She alleged that the officer slapped her, struck her in the face with his gun, ass@ulted her driver, touched her inappropriately, and forcibly seized her mobile phone. She also displayed what appeared to be injuries.
In a statement released on the incident, SP Adebisi Abimbola provided the police account of events.
Facts of the Incident
According to the statement, a white Mercedes-Benz SUV conveying five occupants — two females and three males — was intercepted during a routine stop-and-search operation.
When questioned, the occupants were reportedly unable to provide satisfactory means of identification. One of them repeatedly stated, “I am Papaya X, even your bosses know me,” but allegedly failed to present any valid identification or verifiable details.
The officers subsequently requested that the occupants proceed to the Ajah Police Station for proper identification and documentation. An Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) joined them in the SUV, while other officers followed behind in a patrol vehicle.
However, shortly after leaving the scene, the driver allegedly sped off in what police described as an attempt to evade arrest. The vehicle was later intercepted through the swift intervention of personnel from the Langbasa Police Division at another checkpoint around Addo Roundabout.
The police added that the viral video currently circulating online was recorded after the vehicle had been successfully stopped at the second checkpoint.
The matter is presently under investigation, and the command stated that further updates will be communicated as necessary.
