Social media influencer Abike Raheem, widely known as Papaya Ex, has accused police officers of assault during a late-night encounter in the Ajah area of Lagos State. The allegations were made on Friday night during an emotional TikTok live session, where Papaya Ex recounted the incident as she was returning home from a shoot. She alleged that what began as a routine stop by officers escalated significantly. Papaya Ex claimed an officer "struck her in the face with a gun," "assaulted her driver," "touched her inappropriately," "slapped her," and "hit her buttocks and breasts." She also stated that her mobile phone was forcibly taken. During the live broadcast, she displayed what appeared to be a wound mark on her face, explaining that network problems prevented the alleged assault from being captured on video.

Videos circulating online showed a heated exchange between Papaya Ex and an officer, prompting widespread reactions on social media and calls for a thorough investigation. In response, the Nigeria Police Force provided a different account of events. Force spokesman ACP Benjamin Hundeyin stated that the incident began just before 2 a.m. when officers on night patrol stopped a white Mercedes-Benz SUV carrying five occupants (two females and three males) for a routine search. According to Hundeyin, Papaya Ex "bluntly refused" the search, claiming her status by saying, "You cannot search my car. Don’t you know Papaya? Even your bosses know me," which subsequently led to the escalation of the situation.

Further details were provided by the Lagos State Police Command's spokesperson, SP Adebisi Abimbola. She corroborated that during the routine stop-and-search, the occupants were unable to provide satisfactory means of identification. One of them repeatedly identified herself as Papaya X but failed to present any valid identification or verifiable details. Officers then requested that they proceed to Ajah Police Station for proper identification and documentation, with an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) joining them in the SUV while other officers followed. However, upon leaving the scene, the driver allegedly sped off in an apparent attempt to evade the police. The vehicle was subsequently intercepted through the swift intervention of personnel from the Langbasa Police Division at another checkpoint around Addo Roundabout. The police clarified that the viral video being circulated was recorded after the vehicle had been successfully stopped at this second checkpoint.

Both the Force spokesman, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, and the Lagos State Police Command's spokesperson, SP Adebisi Abimbola, confirmed that the matter is currently under investigation, and further updates will be communicated as necessary. The incident has drawn significant public attention, highlighting the differing accounts between the social media influencer and law enforcement regarding the late-night encounter.