Controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has turned himself in to the police following a declaration of being wanted by the Ogun State Police Command.
The Lagos State Police Command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the singer’s surrender on Wednesday, stating that Portable reported at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, in the early hours. The Ogun State Police Command was subsequently notified for his transfer.
Minutes later, Omolola Odutola, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed Portable’s arrival at the Ogun SCID in Abeokuta at 1:23 PM. She emphasized that the singer was being questioned as part of an ongoing investigation.
“His presence at the SCID is in connection with an ongoing investigation. The command assures the public that due process will be followed in handling this matter, and updates will be provided as necessary. We urge members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information. The Ogun State Police Command remains committed to upholding justice and maintaining public order,” the statement read.
When asked about the next steps, Odutola affirmed that the investigation would proceed and stressed that Portable would not receive special treatment. “Police will investigate. Portable is a Nigerian and should not be made to appear too important,” she stated. However, she was unable to confirm when the singer would be arraigned in court.
Portable’s Alleged Assault Case
Portable had been declared wanted for reportedly leading an attack on three officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Ota Zonal Office, during an enforcement operation at Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu Ota. The officials—TPL Onabanjo Abidemi, TPL Raymond Lateef, and TPL Ridwan Oyero Akinlesi—alleged that they were violently confronted by Portable, who was armed and accompanied by nine thugs.
The officials initially met Portable’s father at the Odogwu Bar, who informed them that the singer was unavailable. However, Portable allegedly arrived shortly after, leading the attack, which left the unarmed officials injured. They managed to escape and reported the incident to the Ota Area Command, which escalated the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department. While nine of Portable’s associates were arrested, the singer reportedly fled the scene and went into hiding.
The Ogun State Police Command had issued multiple formal invitations to Portable, which he allegedly ignored without offering any legal representation. Following his refusal to respond, the police obtained a valid court order declaring him wanted.
Portable’s Defense
In response to the allegations, Portable took to Instagram on Tuesday, claiming he was being set up due to his affiliation with the lawmaker representing Ogun West, Senator Adeola Solomon, popularly known as Yayi. The singer further declared that he was mentally unstable and undergoing treatment at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta.
“I fear government. I am a federal government liability. I am a madman; I have medications that I usually take. You can confirm from Aro Hospital. I have a card that certifies me as one of their patients,” he said in a video.
“I am from Abeokuta, and they are taking care of me there. I am not a thief; I help people around me without even looking at their background,” he added.
Arraignment of Portable’s Associates
Meanwhile, the nine arrested associates of Portable have been arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Isabo, Abeokuta, on multiple charges, including felony, assault, unlawful restriction, possession of weapons, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
The defendants—Nurudeen Warris (21), Adetola Alashe (25), Samuel Adeleke (28), Oluwaseun Ayenuwa (19), Oluwapelumi Adeosun (20), Gospel Kanu (20), Precious Ohiegebo (19), Ifeoluwa Babatunde (27), and Fatimo Muhammed (26)—pleaded not guilty to the charges.
As the case unfolds, the police have assured the public of continued updates on the matter.