According to Abimbola Adebisi, Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Papaya Ex and her companions were stopped during a routine stop-and-search operation but were unable to provide satisfactory identification. This led officers to request that they proceed to Ajah Police Station for proper verification.
Adebisi explained on X that the group attempted to evade police by speeding off but were intercepted at a second checkpoint:
“A white Mercedes-Benz SUV conveying five occupants—two females and three males—was intercepted during a routine stop-and-search operation. When questioned, the occupants were unable to provide satisfactory identification. One of them repeatedly stated, ‘I am Papaya X, even your bosses know me,’ but failed to present valid documentation or verifiable details.
Officers requested that they proceed to Ajah Police Station for proper identification and documentation. An ASP joined them in the SUV, while other officers followed behind. Upon leaving the scene, the driver sped off in an apparent attempt to evade the police. The vehicle was subsequently intercepted by personnel from Langbasa Police Division at another checkpoint around Addo Roundabout. The viral video being circulated was recorded after the vehicle had been successfully stopped at the second checkpoint.”
The police confirmed that a formal investigation into the matter has been launched and promised to provide updates as the inquiry progresses.
Papaya Ex had previously alleged that she was physically assaulted during the encounter, displaying visible injuries in a TikTok live session, and claimed that harassment by police in the Ajah area is common. The incident has drawn significant attention on social media, with many calling for accountability.
The Lagos State Police Command’s statement marks the first detailed official account of the incident, but the full circumstances remain under investigation, and independent verification of all claims has yet to be established.