A popular social media influencer, Abike Halima Raheem, popularly known as Papaya Ex, has been accused of severe workplace exploitation, withholding salaries, and illegally seizing a personal asset.
The allegations came to light following a viral video posted on X (formerly Twitter) by a user identified as @hybrid_ola. In the video and accompanying statement, the man publicly called out the lifestyle influencer for allegedly mistreating his sister, who worked as her Personal Assistant (PA). According to the brother, the young lady has been subjected to unfair working conditions following an unfortunate incident at a public event.
Detailing the ordeal, the narrator explained that his sister’s troubles began when she lost her mobile phone while working at a movie premiere event. Rather than showing empathy or working out a reasonable resolution, Papaya Ex allegedly forced the PA to continue working for three consecutive months without receiving her monthly salary. The brother further revealed that the sister’s agreed monthly remuneration was ₦120,000, meaning the influencer is allegedly withholding at least ₦360,000 in unpaid wages.
The situation reportedly escalated when the family attempted to intervene and plead for the release of the young woman’s unpaid earnings. The brother narrated a humiliating encounter where he went to beg the influencer on his sister’s behalf. In a desperate bid to evoke mercy, the man claimed he went as far as pleading while stripped down to his boxers. Instead of reaching an amicable resolution, he alleged that Papaya Ex went a step further by confiscating his own personal mobile phone during the confrontation.
READ ALSO: RT.Hon. Sir Sam Onuigbo Sues For Unity, Hope Amid Recent Kidnapping Incidents
“My sister worked as Papaya Ex PA and when she lost her phone at a premiere, my sister has continued working with her without pay for 3 months and her salary is ₦120k,” the post read. “When I went to beg on her behalf, she collected my phone despite begging on boxers.”
The video has triggered intense reactions online, with thousands of netizens expressing shock and condemnation over the alleged treatment of the employee. Many social media users have pointed out the stark contrast between the glamorous, high-spending lifestyle Papaya Ex frequently displays online and the relatively meager ₦120,000 salary she allegedly refuses to pay her staff. Human rights advocates and online commentators are already calling for a thorough investigation into the matter, demanding justice for the worker and the immediate return of the seized property.

