Controversial singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, finds himself at the center of a storm of allegations, mental health claims, and legal proceedings. Combining two explosive incidents, the saga of Portable has evolved from a violent altercation with government officials to a dramatic public appeal for leniency, followed by his eventual surrender to the police.
The controversy began during a routine enforcement exercise conducted by the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development at the Ota Zonal Office in Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu, Ota, Ogun State. On that day, three officials—TPL Onabanjo Abidemi, TPL Raymond Lateef, and TPL Ridwan Oyero Akinlesi—were carrying out their duties when an unexpected series of events unfolded.
According to accounts from the scene, the team encountered an elderly man at Odogwu Bar, who was later identified as Portable’s father. The officials had introduced themselves and requested the approved building plan from the man, only to be told that his son was unavailable. However, moments later, Portable made a dramatic and violent appearance. Armed with a firearm and flanked by a gang of nine accomplices, he led an attack on the unarmed enforcement officers.
The assault was brutal and left the officers sustaining various bodily injuries. Despite their injuries, the officials managed to escape the chaos and quickly reported the incident to the Ota Area Command. The case was subsequently escalated to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation. In the aftermath, nine individuals associated with Portable were arrested and later arraigned before a Magistrates’ Court on charges that included felony, assault, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. While the accomplices pleaded not guilty, Portable himself managed to flee the scene, adding a layer of urgency and complexity to the unfolding investigation.
Amid mounting pressure and an intensifying police hunt, Portable chose to break his silence on Tuesday through a series of impassioned rants on Instagram. In his emotional appeals, he declared himself a “madman” undergoing treatment at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta. His public statements were laced with personal admissions and a plea for leniency from Nigerians and the Ogun State Government, particularly addressing Governor Dapo Abiodun.
“I fear government. I am a federal government liability. Then I’m 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,” Portable proclaimed. He emphasized that he hails from Abeokuta, where he receives his treatment, and insisted that his actions were not driven by criminal intent. “I am not a thief, I help people around me without even looking at their background,” he added, attempting to counter the negative perceptions surrounding his behavior.
Portable’s declaration has sparked a heated debate on social media. While some fans and mental health advocates expressed sympathy, urging for a compassionate approach to his mental state, others criticized the singer for attempting to leverage his personal struggles as a shield against accountability for the violent incident. The controversial figure’s claims of mental instability have also fueled discussions on the broader challenges of mental health support in Nigeria, highlighting the complex interplay between celebrity, personal well-being, and public responsibility.
Despite his attempts to garner public sympathy, Portable’s legal troubles deepened. After failing to respond to repeated police invitations, the Ogun State Police Command declared him a wanted individual. In a dramatic turn of events on Wednesday, the singer chose to surrender himself at the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department in Yaba. According to Lagos Police Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin, “Portable just turned himself in at the SCID, Yaba. We have contacted the Ogun State Police Command to come and pick him up.”
Shortly thereafter, Portable was transferred to the custody of the Ogun State Police Command. Omolola Odutola, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, confirmed that the singer arrived at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Eleweran, Abeokuta, at exactly 13:23 hours on February 19, 2025. “His presence at the SCID is connected to 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,” she stated, urging the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.
Law enforcement agencies from both Lagos and Ogun states are now deeply involved in the investigation, coordinating efforts to piece together the events leading to the violent encounter and subsequent escape. The apprehension of the nine accomplices and the eventual surrender of Portable indicate a determined drive by the authorities to bring the matter to a close and hold everyone accountable.
Officials have also signaled that the investigation will extend beyond just the individuals involved. There is an ongoing review of the protocols followed during the enforcement exercise, with authorities examining whether any lapses or missteps might have contributed to the violence. This introspection could lead to reforms aimed at ensuring stricter adherence to safety protocols during such operations in the future.
Portable’s dramatic turn of events has ignited widespread public discourse on multiple fronts. The violent assault on unarmed officials has raised serious concerns about the conduct of high-profile individuals and the potential dangers of celebrity overreach. Critics argue that such incidents undermine public confidence in law enforcement and the administrative mechanisms meant to ensure public safety. Simultaneously, there is a growing call for greater accountability among public figures who, despite their popularity, must face the consequences of their actions.
On the other hand, Portable’s public admission of his mental health struggles has opened up a broader conversation about the state of mental health care in Nigeria. Advocates have seized upon his claims to underline the importance of providing adequate mental health support, especially for those in the public eye. The controversy serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by individuals dealing with mental health issues, and the need for a more compassionate, yet effective, approach to treatment and rehabilitation.
As the investigation proceeds, both the public and legal experts will be watching closely to see how the case is resolved. The outcome will not only determine Portable’s fate but may also set a precedent for how similar cases are managed in the future, balancing the imperatives of justice with the need for compassionate mental health intervention.
Related: https://symfoninews.com/singer-portable-declared-himself-a-mad-man-surrenders-to-police/
