Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has broken his silence from hiding, sparking concerns over his mental well-being.
The controversial artist, who has been on the run following a confrontation with officials in Ogun State, released an emotional plea for the release of his detained associates.
His message, shared on Instagram on Saturday, February 8, 2025, revealed the distress and frustration he has been facing, even hinting at suicidal thoughts.
Portable’s troubles began when officers from the Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority (OGPDPA) visited his Odogwu Bar and Restaurant to seal the property over alleged violations, including a lack of approved permits and insufficient airspace.
Reports indicate that Portable and his associates resisted the officials, leading to an altercation.
After the incident, the singer reportedly went into hiding, while some of his associates were arrested and later arraigned in court.
Narrating his side of the story, Portable alleged that the officials stormed his property and unlawfully arrested more than 20 people, including artists and customers.
He further claimed that the authorities seized personal belongings, including vehicles and gadgets, in what he described as an unfair and targeted attack.
“They came to my bar and carried my people—over 20 of them. They took their phones, their money, their cars. Why? What did they do?” he questioned in his emotional video message.
However, the Ogun State Commissioner for Physical Planning has refuted Portable’s claims, calling them “spurious and blatant falsehoods.”
According to the commissioner, the enforcement operation was carried out within legal boundaries, and the allegations made by the singer were baseless.
The commissioner maintained that Portable and his associates obstructed a lawful duty, leading to their arrests.
Following the altercation, the Ogun State Police Command arraigned nine of Portable’s associates before a Magistrate’s Court in Isabo, Abeokuta.
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)—were charged with felony, assault, obstruction, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
All nine individuals pleaded not guilty and were granted bail of N5 million each. The court ruled that the sureties must be licensed bond agents registered with the state government.
The case has been adjourned until March 17 for further proceedings. Meanwhile, Portable remains at large, using social media as his only means of communication.
In his latest Instagram post, Portable vehemently denied all allegations against him, insisting that the authorities had fabricated the charges.
“They lied against us. My glory will kill my enemies,” he declared passionately. He also challenged the officers to produce concrete evidence of the alleged assault.
“Where is the video proof? Show the world where I attacked anybody. These boys they arrested—are they criminals? They are learning trades,” he argued.
Portable claimed that the detained individuals were not involved in any wrongdoing but were simply his apprentices.
“Some of them are learning tailoring, some are learning barbing, some are upcoming artists. They are just trying to survive,” he said.
He emphasized that he had taken them under his wing to help them make an honest living and questioned why the government would target them.
In a deeply personal revelation, Portable spoke about the emotional weight of the situation and how it was pushing him to his breaking point.
“I am from a humble background. I did not fight with anybody until you set me up. Although you get money by looking for trouble, I did not fight anyone,” he stated in a mix of pidgin English and Yoruba.
He described his struggles growing up and the sacrifices he made to achieve success.
The singer also revealed that the land on which his bar was built had sentimental value, making the dispute even more painful for him.
“The house they sealed was built on the land where I exhumed my mother’s corpse. She died when I was 13 years old. I later built a mansion there,” he disclosed.
According to him, the authorities’ actions were not only affecting his business but also disrespecting his personal history.
As his plea continued, Portable’s voice trembled as he admitted that the stress was pushing him toward dangerous thoughts.
“I am begging you in God’s name. Help me release those boys. I am already in deep thought. I must not commit suicide,” he said, expressing his distress.
He emphasized that he had done nothing wrong and that the authorities had no justification for their actions. “You cannot kill me,” he declared defiantly.
Portable’s emotional appeal has sparked a wave of reactions online, with fans and well-wishers expressing concern for his well-being.
While some have called for the authorities to reconsider their stance and release his associates, others have urged Portable to surrender himself and address the issue legally.
As the situation unfolds, many are hoping for a resolution that will prevent any further escalation.
