Ola Akinwunmi
Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has voluntarily surrendered himself to the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti. This development comes on the heels of recent legal challenges and property disputes involving the controversial artist.Just last week, Portable made headlines by appealing to President Bola Tinubu for intervention in an ongoing feud with the Ogun State government.
The dispute arose after state authorities sealed his uncompleted building and hotel, citing alleged illegal development without the necessary approval permits.
Portable expressed his grievances, emphasizing his contributions to the community, such as installing streetlights and repairing roads, and questioned the actions taken against his properties. In a heartfelt video shared on his Instagram page, Portable called on President Tinubu to urge Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun to reconsider the actions against him. He suggested that his support for Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, might have contributed to his current predicament.
Despite his frustrations, Portable extended goodwill to Governor Abiodun, stating, “Dapo Abiodun, your time in office wouldn’t spoil. After God, na government. Zazuu, I dey humble.”
The reasons behind Portable’s decision to turn himself in at the SCID remain undisclosed. However, this action adds to a series of legal encounters the singer has faced in recent times. Notably, in May 2024, Portable was arrested over a ₦14 million debt related to the purchase of a G-Wagon from a Lagos-based car dealer. He had reportedly paid ₦13 million upfront but failed to settle the remaining balance, leading to his detention after he couldn’t meet the bail conditions.
As of now, the Lagos State Police Command has not released an official statement regarding Portable’s surrender. Fans and the general public await further information on the circumstances surrounding this development and any potential legal proceedings that may follow.
Portable’s career has been marked by both his musical achievements and a series of controversies. His recent actions suggest a possible attempt to address ongoing disputes and legal issues head-on. Observers are keen to see how these events will unfold and impact the artist’s future in the entertainment industry.