Social media influencer and actress Abike Raheem, popularly known as Papaya Ex, has publicly denied claims reportedly made by the Nigerian Police following a live video she recorded in the early hours of Saturday, February 21, 2026.
In an emotional video, she explained that her intentions were purely professional, focusing on content creation and filmmaking. She insisted that all her documents were in order and alleged that she and the four occupants of her vehicle were assaulted during the encounter.
“Please, I’m just trying to make movies for my YouTube channel @papayaextv… You can also watch all the amazing movies I’ve created since I started. @nigeriapoliceforce I didn’t say I am Papaya, you can’t search my car, even your bosses know me. Please, because of Ramadan, let’s put God first and be honest… I’m just trying to make movies and create content. I’m not trying to fight the police. Please, please, I’m trying to recover, and I promise I don’t want to have issues with y’all. I can’t believe a day like this would come where I’d make a video and get so emotional. Thank you to the CP,” she wrote in a post.
The controversy arose after the Nigerian Police denied her claims, stating that she refused to cooperate during a routine stop-and-search. Force Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin said that Papaya Ex declined to allow officers to search her car, asserting that her public profile provided her exemption.
“Just before 2 am, police on night patrol stopped a car conveying three men and two women and asked to check the car. She bluntly refused, saying, ‘You cannot search my car. Don’t you know Papaya? Even your bosses know me.’ She chose to go to the station, after which an officer sat in her vehicle. Her vehicle was in front while the patrol vehicle followed behind. She instructed her driver to speed off, leaving the patrol vehicle far behind. The patrol van had to radio ahead to intercept them. Then the live (video) began… @LagosPoliceNG will take it from here,” Hundeyin tweeted.
Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer Abimbola Adebisi also noted that the police requested identification, which was not provided, prompting officers to direct the occupants to a police station for verification. During the journey, the driver allegedly attempted to evade the police but was intercepted at a second checkpoint.
“When questioned, the occupants were unable to provide satisfactory identification. One repeatedly stated, ‘I am Papaya X, even your bosses know me,’ but failed to present valid ID or verifiable details. Officers requested that they proceed to Ajah Police Station for proper documentation. An ASP joined them in the SUV while other officers followed behind. However, the driver suddenly sped off, attempting to evade the police. The vehicle was subsequently intercepted at another checkpoint around Addo Roundabout. The viral video was recorded after the vehicle had been stopped. The matter remains under investigation, and further updates will be communicated as necessary,” Adebisi said.
The incident has sparked widespread debate online, with users scrutinising both Papaya Ex’s and the police’s accounts. The influencer has continued to maintain her innocence while urging transparency and fairness in resolving the situation.
