Police Declare Singer Portable Wanted Over Alleged Assault on Ogun State Officials

The Ogun State Police Command has declared popular Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, widely known as “Portable,” wanted for his alleged involvement in a violent attack on government officials. The incident, which occurred on February 5, 2025, has sparked widespread outrage and raised questions about the singer’s repeated brushes with the law. Portable, known for his controversial lifestyle and hit songs like “Zazu Zeh,” is accused of leading a gang of thugs to assault officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development during an enforcement exercise in Ota.  

The Incident: A Violent Confrontation  

According to the police, the incident unfolded at Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu Ota, where officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development were conducting a routine inspection. The officials, identified as TPL Onabanjo Abidemi, TPL Raymond Lateef, and TPL Ridwan Oyero Akinlesi, had approached an elderly man at Odogwu Bar, a property owned by Portable, to request the approved building plan for the structure. The man, later identified as Portable’s father, informed the officials that his son was not available to provide the necessary documents.  

Moments later, Portable allegedly arrived at the scene, armed with a firearm and other dangerous weapons, accompanied by nine thugs. The singer and his gang reportedly launched a violent attack on the unarmed officials, leaving them with various bodily injuries. Despite the assault, the officials managed to escape and reported the incident to the Ota Area Command, which escalated the matter to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further action.  

Police Response and Declaration of Portable as Wanted  

Following the attack, the police arrested nine of Portable’s alleged accomplices, who were subsequently arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Isabo, Abeokuta. The defendants—Nurudeen Warris, Adetola Alashe, Samuel Adeleke, Oluwaseun Ayenuwa, Oluwapelumi Adeosun, Gospel Kanu, Precious Ohiegebo, Ifeoluwa Babatunde, and Fatimo Muhammed—were charged with multiple offenses, including felony, assault, illegal possession of weapons, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace. They pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail set at N5 million each, with sureties required to be licensed bondmen registered with the Ogun State government.  

However, Portable himself fled the scene and has since evaded arrest. Despite multiple formal invitations from the Ogun State Police Command requesting his presence at their headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, the singer has refused to appear or send legal representation. In response, the police obtained a valid court order declaring him wanted. The public has been urged to provide any information that could lead to his arrest, with warnings that anyone found aiding or harboring him will face legal consequences.  

Portable’s Reaction: Denials and Pleas for Forgiveness  

In the wake of the police declaration, Portable took to social media to deny the allegations. In a series of posts on his Instagram story, the singer claimed that the arrest warrant was a targeted attack against him. “I didn’t kill anybody. If anything happens to me, there will be trouble. They should post the evidence of where I fought them at my bar. They are evil people, and they are lying against me,” he wrote.  

Portable also pleaded with the Ogun State government to forgive him, attributing his recent troubles to spiritual attacks. “All this evil thing wey dey happen to me na spiritual attack. God save me. I’m facing a lot of sicknesses all over my body. I’m taking care of myself. Pain in my body. Make Ogun State government forgive me,” he said.  

A History of Legal Troubles  

This is not the first time Portable has found himself in legal trouble. The singer has a history of altercations with law enforcement and other individuals. In 2023, he was arrested for assaulting police officers and resisting arrest. Similarly, in May 2024, he was detained for failing to pay a debt owed to a car dealer in Lagos State. These incidents have cemented Portable’s reputation as a controversial figure in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.  

Implications and Public Reaction  

The declaration of Portable as a wanted person has sparked mixed reactions from the public. While some have criticized the singer for his alleged actions and repeated disregard for the law, others have expressed sympathy, citing his claims of being targeted and spiritually attacked. The incident has also raised concerns about the safety of government officials carrying out their duties and the need for stricter enforcement of building regulations in Ogun State.  

Conclusion  

As the Ogun State Police Command intensifies its efforts to apprehend Portable, the case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with high-profile individuals. The singer’s alleged actions not only jeopardize the safety of public officials but also highlight the broader issue of impunity in Nigeria. Whether Portable will turn himself in or continue to evade arrest remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: this latest chapter in his tumultuous career has further cemented his status as one of Nigeria’s most controversial entertainers.