The Nigeria Police Force has responded to allegations by popular influencer Papaya Ex, who accused a police officer of assaulting her during an encounter in Lagos.
Papaya Ex had earlier gone public on Instagram, sharing images and videos of a bruise on her face while claiming she was attacked by a police officer during a stop-and-search operation.
Police Give Their Own Version
Reacting to the allegation, the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, released a statement outlining what he described as the police account of events.
According to Hundeyin, the incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. when officers on night patrol stopped a vehicle carrying three men and two women for a routine security check.
He alleged that Papaya Ex refused to allow officers search the vehicle, reportedly telling them:
“You cannot search my car. Don’t you know Papaya? Even your bosses know me.”
Hundeyin said she later agreed to proceed to the police station instead. An officer reportedly entered her vehicle after some resistance, while the patrol van followed behind.
Alleged Attempt to Evade Police
The police spokesperson further claimed that Papaya Ex then instructed her driver to speed off, leaving the patrol team behind. As a result, officers allegedly radioed another patrol unit positioned ahead to intercept the vehicle.
He noted that it was after this interception that the influencer began her live video on social media.
Investigation Ongoing
Hundeyin added that the matter has now been handed over to the Lagos State Police Command, assuring the public that the situation is being addressed through appropriate channels.
“@LagosPoliceNG will take it from here,” he stated.
The incident has continued to spark widespread reactions online, with Nigerians divided over the conduct of both the influencer and the police officers involved, as many await further clarification from the Lagos State Police Command.
