In a post shared by @papaya_ex on Instagram, the popular lifestyle influencer detailed a harrowing encounter with officers of the Lagos State Police Command. She alleged that she was physically assaulted, claiming officers hit her face and breasts with a gun after she reportedly questioned the nature of their search.
The police have since countered these claims, stating that the influencer “bluntly refused” a standard search and was boastful during the encounter. However, the graphic videos of her crying and showing her bruised face have sparked a massive outcry on social media regarding police-citizen interactions in Nigeria.
* Daily Post Nigeria: “Papaya Ex alleges assault by Lagos Police; he hit my face and breasts with a gun.”
* The Punch: “Police counter Papaya Ex’s allegations, claiming she evaded officers and boasted of her status.”
Echotitbits take:
This is a classic “he-said, she-said” situation, but the optics are damaging for the police. While the authorities claim she was uncooperative, the allegation of physical violence against a woman will likely trigger a deeper internal investigation. Expect this to become a focal point for renewed conversations on police reform and the treatment of influencers.
Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/video-influencer-papaya-ex-alleges-assault-by-police-officer-in-lagos/?amp February 22, 2026
Photo Credit: Vanguard
