Social media influencer and filmmaker Papaya Ex has written an open letter to Femi Akinpeloye following a controversial late-night encounter with police officers at Ajah, Lagos, which her account of events publicly contradicts.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Papaya Ex detailed the incident and addressed allegations that she had exaggerated or misrepresented what happened.
“@nigeriapoliceforce, an officer beat me up right inside my car. He used his gun on me. Please, I’m at Ajah, y’all, I’m bleeding,” she wrote.
According to her, the interaction began around 1 a.m. on Friday, 20 February, and lasted until about 10:30 a.m. at the Ajah Police Station. She said that despite being exhausted, shaken, and confused, she cooperated when asked to provide her statement.
Allegations Against Officers
In her letter to the DPO, Papaya Ex disputed claims that she had boasted about her popularity or threatened the officers.
“Before you even arrived, the officer who first assaulted me came to meet me and said I shouldn’t be angry. When I was leaving around 10:30 a.m., he came back and said he didn’t know I was Papaya Ex or that I was popular. So how on earth did I claim to have boasted about being Papaya Ex or knowing their bosses?”
She also denied accusations that she kidnapped officers in her car or staged injuries to mislead the public, explaining that she and her companions were assaulted after refusing to pay money demanded by intoxicated officers.
“Three men assaulted me. My driver was assaulted while driving. My personal assistant/sister was also assaulted. She’s very young, and I can’t imagine what she feels. I cannot sleep. All my body aches, the scenario won’t leave my head,” she said.
Papaya Ex alleged that police have promised to postpone the case repeatedly, implying an attempt to let it fade from public attention.
Police Version
The Lagos Police spokesperson, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, stated that officers stopped Papaya Ex’s vehicle for a routine check before 2 a.m., noting that passengers did not present valid identification. The police claimed she said, “You cannot search my car. Don’t you know Papaya? Even your bosses know me.”
According to the police, the group was asked to proceed to the station, and when they attempted to drive away, a pursuit ensued, resulting in their interception at a second checkpoint. Authorities confirmed that the matter remains under investigation.
Papaya Ex, who produced the movie Hours Before Dawn, has called for accountability and a transparent resolution, as public debate continues around her treatment and the conduct of the officers involved.
