Police Condemn Alleged Assault on Singer Portable Amid Viral Video Outcry

The Ogun State Police Command has expressed strong disapproval over the alleged assault of Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, while in police custody.

This followed the circulation of a distressing video online. The footage, which has gone viral on social media, shows the artist visibly emotional and pleading while restrained, sparking widespread discussion about police conduct and human rights in Nigeria.

Portable was arrested in Ogun State after a complaint was filed by his baby mama, actress and skit maker Omobolarinde Akinyanju, also known as Ashabi Simple, accusing him of assault at his bar. Reports indicate that the dispute escalated, prompting her and her siblings to report the matter to the authorities. This is not Portable’s first encounter with law enforcement; he was previously arrested in March 2025 on multiple assault charges and arraigned on six counts after reportedly resisting arrest. The current arrest followed his alleged evasion of police efforts the previous week.

The video, widely shared on X (formerly Twitter), shows Portable shirtless, handcuffed, and seated on a couch in what appears to be a police holding room painted in blue, yellow, and green stripes.

He is seen sobbing and gesturing pleadingly, though no direct assault is captured in the clip. Nevertheless, the footage has fueled allegations of mistreatment by officers at the facility and reignited debates over police accountability. The clip has attracted over 356,000 views on a single post, with reactions ranging from sympathy for the singer to criticism of his dramatic behavior.

DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Police Command, confirmed Portable’s ongoing custody on Sunday, January 11, 2026, while condemning the alleged assault as unacceptable and contrary to police protocols. He stated that an internal investigation has been launched to identify any culpable officers, promising that anyone found guilty would face legal consequences. Babaseyi also reminded the public that filming suspects is prohibited, as it could compromise their safety and ongoing investigations. “No matter who the suspect is, nobody should be treated in such a manner,” he emphasized.

The incident has reignited conversations about police conduct in Nigeria, where allegations of brutality and extrajudicial treatment remain a persistent concern. Portable, who rose to fame with his hit “Zazu” and a series of public controversies, often divides public opinion. On social media, users are calling for accountability from law enforcement while debating whether the episode reflects systemic challenges within the police.

The investigation is ongoing, with updates expected as authorities review the circumstances surrounding Portable’s arrest and detention.

Meanwhile, public interest in the case continues to grow, highlighting broader concerns over justice, accountability, and the treatment of high-profile individuals in Nigeria’s law enforcement system.