Nigerian social media influencer, Abike Raheem, popularly known as Papaya Ex, has alleged that a police officer assaulted her during a late-night encounter in the Ajah area of Lagos State.
Papaya Ex made the claim during an emotional live session on TikTok on Friday night. In the video, she accused the officer of physically attacking her and behaving inappropriately while she was returning home from a movie shoot.
According to her, the incident began after she and her driver were stopped by a police officer in Ajah. She said what started as a calm and friendly exchange quickly turned into a confrontation.
The influencer alleged that the officer struck her in the face with a gun, assaulted her driver and touched her inappropriately during the encounter.
Although the alleged physical assault was not captured on video, Papaya Ex said network issues prevented her from recording the moment. However, during the live broadcast, she showed what appeared to be visible injuries, including a wound on her face.
She further claimed that the officer slapped her, hit her buttocks and breasts and forcibly seized her mobile phone during the altercation.
Short clips from the scene have since circulated on social media. In some of the videos, a voice believed to be that of a police officer can be heard during a heated argument. Both parties were seen exchanging words.
However, the full details of what led to the confrontation remain unclear. As of the time of filing this report, the authenticity of the claims and the complete context of the incident could not be independently verified.
Papaya Ex appeared visibly distressed in the videos shared online. She told her followers that harassment by police officers in the Ajah area was common and described it as a recurring experience for some residents.
She said she was returning from a movie set when the incident happened.
The videos have generated strong reactions across social media platforms. Many users expressed concern over the allegations and called for a thorough investigation by the authorities.
Some Nigerians shared their own experiences of alleged harassment by security officers, while others urged caution and called for all sides of the story to be heard before drawing conclusions.
Issues involving alleged police misconduct often attract widespread attention in Nigeria. In recent years, there have been several cases where citizens accused security personnel of harassment, extortion or abuse of power.
The #EndSARS protests of 2020, which started as demonstrations against police brutality, highlighted public anger over alleged misconduct by some officers of the Nigeria Police Force. The protests later grew into nationwide demonstrations calling for broader reforms.
Since then, police authorities have repeatedly stated their commitment to improving professionalism and discipline within the force. The Inspector-General of Police has also issued warnings against misconduct by officers.
As of the time of this report, the Lagos State Police Command has not released an official statement regarding Papaya Ex’s allegations.
Under Nigerian law, any allegation of assault or misconduct by a police officer can be investigated internally by the police and, if necessary, by other oversight bodies.
Papaya Ex is known for her strong presence on social media, where she shares lifestyle and entertainment content. Like many influencers, she uses platforms such as TikTok and Instagram to connect with her audience.
In recent years, social media has become a powerful tool for Nigerians to report incidents in real time. Many cases of alleged abuse or misconduct have first come to public attention through live videos or posts online.
While this has helped bring attention to important issues, it has also raised concerns about misinformation and the need for proper investigation before conclusions are reached.
Civil society groups have often stressed the need for transparency and accountability when allegations are made against security agencies. They argue that swift and open investigations can help build public trust.
At the same time, they also warn against trial by social media, saying that due process must be followed.
For now, many Nigerians are waiting for an official response from the police authorities. If the allegations are confirmed, it could lead to disciplinary action against any officer found guilty of wrongdoing.
If the claims are found to be inaccurate, authorities may also clarify the situation to prevent further tension.
The Ajah area of Lagos, like many busy parts of the city, has regular police patrols and checkpoints, especially at night. While these measures are meant to improve security, there have been complaints in the past about the conduct of some officers.
Residents often call for better training and supervision to ensure that interactions between police officers and citizens remain respectful and lawful.
As the story continues to develop, attention will remain on how the Lagos State Police Command handles the allegations.
