Controversy-laden Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, widely known as Portable, finds himself at the center of serious legal troubles after being declared wanted by the Ogun State Police Command. The declaration comes through an official publication from the Magistrate Court in Ogun State that has been circulating online in recent days.
According to the police statement, Portable faces multiple grave allegations including conspiracy, serious assault, armed violence, breach of public peace, and attempted murder through the recruitment of armed thugs. The warrant for his arrest specifically cites events that allegedly occurred on February 5, 2025.
In a distressed video response that has gone viral across social media platforms, a visibly agitated Portable vehemently denied the accusations, claiming the arrest warrant was fabricated to persecute him. “I didn’t kill anybody. If anything happens to me, there will be trouble,” the “Zazu Zeh” crooner declared. “They should post the evidence of where I fought them at my bar. They are evil people, and they are lying against me. Just kill me and let everywhere scatter.”
Industry observers note that this latest controversy aligns with Portable’s established pattern of legal entanglements and public disputes since his meteoric rise to fame in late 2021. Entertainment analyst Dayo Adekunle commented, “Portable’s career has been characterized by a paradoxical relationship with controversy – the very public antics that catapulted him to fame are increasingly jeopardizing his freedom and career longevity.
This warrant follows a tumultuous period for the artist, who just last year found himself embroiled in a messy public feud with his child’s mother, identified as Keji. Portable had launched a vitriolic tirade against her, accusing her of having an affair with Koko Zaria, an aide to prominent transport union leader MC Oluomo. His allegations included claims that she engaged in intimate relations in front of their son and inflammatory statements about her personal life.
Keji’s response to these accusations was equally explosive. She publicly vowed never to let the singer rest, ominously stating that “her matter would kill the singer at the end of the day.” She also made the contradictory claim that while Portable was publicly maligning her and “setting her up for hate comments,” he was simultaneously sending private messages begging her to return to him.
Legal experts suggest that Portable’s current situation reflects a dangerous escalation from verbal confrontations to potentially criminal behavior. Lagos-based criminal defense attorney Folake Adebayo explained, “The charges of conspiracy and attempted murder through recruitment of armed thugs represent extremely serious allegations that, if proven, could result in lengthy incarceration. The public nature of the case means authorities will likely pursue it vigorously.”
Portable’s rise to prominence has been as dramatic as it has been controversial. After his breakthrough feature on “Zazu Zeh” with Olamide and Poco Lee in December 2021, he quickly became known for his unfiltered personality and frequent confrontations with fellow artists, fans, and even his own team members. While this unpredictability initially fueled his popularity, industry insiders increasingly express concern about the sustainability of such behavior.
Music producer and talent manager Babatunde Olatunji noted, “What we’re witnessing with Portable represents a cautionary tale about fame without proper guidance. His raw talent and authenticity connected with audiences, but without professional management to channel that energy constructively, we see these repeated cycles of controversy that threaten to overshadow his musical contributions.
The timing of these legal troubles is particularly unfortunate for the artist, who had recently been making efforts to expand his brand through his “Zeh Nation” record label and various business ventures. Several scheduled performances are now in jeopardy as promoters evaluate the implications of working with an artist who has been declared wanted by police.
Social media reactions to Portable’s predicament have been divided. Some fans continue to support him, arguing that he is being targeted because of his unconventional personality and outspoken nature. Others view the current situation as the inevitable consequence of what they perceive as increasingly erratic behavior.
Cultural commentator Funmi Adesanya offered a broader perspective: “Portable’s trajectory reflects larger questions about celebrity culture in Nigeria – specifically how we sometimes celebrate and enable disruptive behavior until it crosses into potentially dangerous territory. There’s a fine line between entertaining controversy and actions that have serious legal and social consequences.
The police have yet to respond to Portable’s emotional denial or provide additional details about the evidence supporting their allegations. Law enforcement sources speaking on condition of anonymity indicated that they are monitoring social media closely, as Portable’s regular updates could provide information relevant to his whereabouts.
This development raises questions about the intersection of artistic expression, celebrity behavior, and legal accountability in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. While performers like Portable have traditionally enjoyed latitude for controversial behavior that fuels their public personas, the serious nature of these allegations suggests authorities may be drawing firmer boundaries.
For now, fans and industry stakeholders watch closely as this dramatic situation unfolds, wondering whether this represents a temporary setback or a defining moment in the volatile career of one of Nigeria’s most unpredictable musical personalities. As Portable himself dramatically declared in his response video, the resolution of this case could indeed have far-reaching implications for his future in the industry.
