The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Benjamin Hundeyin has addressed claims made by social media influencer Papaya Ex, who alleged that a police officer assaulted her in Lagos.
The social media personality had shared a photo on her Instagram page, showing a bruise on her face, which she attributed to the police officer’s actions.
In an online statement, Hundeyin provided the police’s account of the events leading up to the incident.
He explained that around 2 a.m., officers on night patrol stopped a vehicle carrying three men and two women for a routine check.
He claimed that Papaya Ex refused to allow a search of the car, reportedly saying, “you cannot search my car. Don’t you know Papaya? Even your bosses know me.”
According to Hundeyin, she chose to go to the police station instead.
After initially refusing, an officer entered her vehicle, with the patrol van following closely behind.
However, she allegedly instructed her driver to speed away, prompting the patrol team to radio another unit ahead to intercept her vehicle.
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Hundeyin confirmed that the Lagos State Police Command would continue to handle the situation.
He stated: “Before she went live, just before 2 a.m., police on night patrol stopped a car with three men and two women and requested to check it.
“She outright refused, saying, ‘You cannot search my car. Don’t you know Papaya? Even your bosses know me.’
“She opted to go to the station, after which an officer got into her vehicle, following an initial refusal. Her car was in front while the patrol vehicle followed behind.
“She then told her driver to speed off, leaving the patrol vehicle far behind. At that point, the patrol van was at risk of losing them, so the police had to radio another unit ahead to intercept them. Then the live stream began…
“@LagosPoliceNG will take it from here.”
