Controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has surrendered himself to the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Yaba after being declared wanted by the Ogun State Police Command.
His voluntary surrender comes after days of being on the run following allegations of assault and obstruction of government officials. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday.
“Portable just turned himself in at the SCID Yaba. We have contacted the Ogun State Police Command to come pick him up,” Hundeyin stated, indicating that the singer would soon be transferred to Ogun State, where the case originated.
Portable was declared wanted on February 18, 2025, after he and nine of his associates allegedly attacked officials of the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development. The incident, which occurred on February 5 in Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu, Ota, reportedly saw Portable and his group violently resist the officials who had come to carry out their duties.
Following the altercation, the police launched an investigation, leading to the arrest and arraignment of some of his associates. However, Portable managed to evade capture and went into hiding, posting videos online pleading for leniency from the Ogun State government.
In an official statement, the Ogun State Police Command outlined the charges against the singer, which include conspiracy, serious assault, going armed, conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, and attempted murder.
“The suspect, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, is wanted for recruiting armed thugs who conspired to attack officials of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Ota Zonal Office. An arrest warrant has been issued against him by a magistrate’s court in Ogun State,” the statement read.
The police also released a wanted poster featuring Portable’s image across social media, calling for information on his whereabouts.
Despite his initial defiance and online rants against the authorities, Portable began facing increasing pressure from both his supporters and industry colleagues to turn himself in. Many of his fans, while acknowledging his controversial personality, urged him to comply with law enforcement rather than risk a more severe crackdown.
As public discourse around his case intensified, Portable reportedly reconsidered his stance and reached out to legal advisors and some influential figures in the entertainment industry before deciding to surrender.
Sources close to the singer revealed that he initially feared being mistreated if arrested but was assured of due process. “He was very reluctant at first, but he realized that avoiding the police would only make things worse. He wants to clear his name and move forward,” a source disclosed. His legal team is expected to engage with the authorities to negotiate the next steps regarding his case.
With Portable now in police custody, the focus shifts to how the Ogun State authorities will proceed with his prosecution. His legal representatives are expected to push for bail, while the police continue their investigation into the alleged assault.
Meanwhile, his fans and critics alike await further developments, with some expressing concerns over how the case might impact his already tumultuous music career. Whether Portable will face immediate trial or secure a temporary release remains to be seen, but for now, the controversial artist finds himself at the center of yet another legal battle.
