Papaya Ex missing iPhone reward sparks reactions as influencer offers ₦700,000 for device lost at a Lagos movie premiere
Papaya Ex, Nigerian social media personality, has offered a ₦700,000 reward on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Lagos, after losing her iPhone at a movie premiere hosted by Iyabo Ojo.
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The Papaya Ex missing iPhone reward has since drawn widespread attention online, as the influencer intensified efforts to recover the device following an earlier controversial attempt to search guests’ bags at the event.
The phone, described as an iPhone 16 Pro Max with a gold finish and pink case, was reportedly misplaced near the front table close to the stage during the premiere of “The Return of Arinzo.”
In a series of emotional posts, Papaya Ex appealed to whoever might have found the device not to wipe it, stressing that it contains critical personal and professional data accumulated over several years.
She stated that the phone holds documents dating back to 2015, including key projects for the year, and warned that losing such information would be a major setback.
In a desperate and heartfelt plea, she urged the finder to return the device intact, promising a substantial financial reward.
She also cautioned members of the public against buying or selling any phone containing her personal images.
The development marks a new twist in the unfolding situation, which had earlier attracted backlash after Papaya Ex attempted to halt guests at the venue for searches, a move many criticised as inappropriate.
Public reaction remains divided. While some sympathised with her distress over the potential loss of valuable data, others maintained that her initial response at the event crossed acceptable boundaries.
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The incident highlights growing concerns around data security and personal privacy, especially at high-profile gatherings where devices can easily be misplaced or stolen.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
