Nigerian social media personality and actress Papaya Ex has accused a police officer of assault during a late night encounter in Ajah, Lagos, sparking widespread reactions online.

The incident, which reportedly occurred in the early hours of the morning in the Ajah area of Lagos, gained public attention after Papaya Ex went live on social media, alleging that a police officer hit her in the face with a gun and inappropriately grabbed her during the stop. The emotional video quickly circulated across platforms, with many fans calling for an investigation.

In response to the claims, the spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, released an official statement giving the police version of events.

According to ACP Hundeyin, the encounter began just before 2am when officers on night patrol stopped a vehicle conveying three men and two women for routine checks. He stated that officers requested to search the car, but the request was allegedly refused.

In his statement, Hundeyin said Papaya Ex bluntly declined the search and allegedly said, “You cannot search my car. Don’t you know Papaya? Even your bosses know me.” He added that she eventually agreed to proceed to the police station after initial resistance.

The police spokesperson explained that one officer sat in her vehicle while a patrol vehicle followed behind as they moved toward the station. However, during the drive, the driver of Papaya Ex’s car allegedly sped off, leaving the patrol vehicle behind. According to the statement, officers had to radio another patrol team ahead to intercept the vehicle to prevent losing sight of it.

Hundeyin noted that the live video shared by the actress began after these events had already unfolded. He concluded by stating that the Lagos State Police Command would handle the matter accordingly.

The situation has triggered intense debate online, with many Nigerians divided over the incident. Supporters of Papaya Ex have called for a transparent investigation into her allegations of physical assault and misconduct. Others have urged the public to wait for a full probe before drawing conclusions.

Ajah, a busy and rapidly developing area in Lagos, has seen increased security patrols in recent years due to traffic and safety concerns. Routine stop and search operations by police are common, especially during late night hours.

However, allegations of police misconduct remain a sensitive issue in Nigeria, particularly in the aftermath of past nationwide protests against police brutality. This has heightened public sensitivity to any claims involving excessive force or abuse of authority.

As of the time of this report, there has been no confirmation of an internal disciplinary outcome or independent investigation findings. Both the actress’s allegations and the police account remain under public scrutiny.

Legal analysts say that if an investigation confirms wrongdoing, the officers involved could face disciplinary measures in line with police regulations. Conversely, if the claims are found to be inconsistent with verified evidence, further clarification may follow from authorities.

For now, the matter remains under review by the Lagos State Police Command, with many Nigerians watching closely for updates.