“Prosecute him,” Public reacts as Portable allegedly assaults government officials, goes into hiding

• Controversial Nigerian artiste Portable allegedly verbally and physically assaulted government officials in Ogun State
• The singer is reportedly in hiding, with sources indicating that he would be arrested and prosecuted if found
• This is not the first time Portable has been involved in a controversy with government authorities, having been arrested and arraigned in 2023 for allegedly assaulting police officers, igniting netizens’ reactions 

Controversial Nigerian artiste, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has found himself in another messy situation, however, not with any of his baby mamas but this time with government authorities.

The news of his alleged verbal and physical assault towards government officials surfaced on social media as an X-user took to his page to address the issue. 

According to eyewitness accounts @Letter_to_Jack, Portable allegedly verbally and physically assaulted officials of the Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority (OGPDPA) who were on a routine inspection in the Ibogun and Ota areas.

The officials, who were serving notices for illegal structures in the zones, were reportedly bullied by Portable, who claimed to be the town planner and refused to allow them to carry out their duties.

Things took a violent turn when Portable and his area boys allegedly attacked the officials, slapping and assaulting them. The officials were forced to flee to safety, with Portable and his cohorts pursuing them on motorcycles.

The police were eventually called in, and they rescued the officials, which in turn led to the arrest of several suspects in the process. 

Portable, however, is reportedly on the run, with sources indicating that he will be arrested and prosecuted if found.

@Letter_to_Jack also testified to the situation not being the first time the Zazu crooner has been involved in a controversy with government authorities. 

In 2023, he was arrested and arraigned by the Ogun State police command for allegedly manhandling and assaulting police officers.

More eyewitnesses shared their accounts of the incident. @afobelly wrote on X on February 6, stating; “Portable harass and beat all the government officials that went there yesterday.” 

This post was seconded by another X user, @Adeshina_ikaa, stating; “You are right, I saw the incident yesterday behind a filling station”.

As at the time of press, the singer has not made any statement about the allegations of verbal and physical assault of government officials, however, the Tony Montana hitmaker posted on his Instagram page @portablebaeby. 

He said; “ZAzuu ZEH I need to protect my families & property first, London see you later no b today man dey travel dey make money, music is my way, if life dey man go still go many places. 

“Eyin fans me all I need now is prayer & support If you spoil me for who love me you go dey die young Make una shaa support me make dey free my people wey dey pack na help I dey help them Ika wa, my glory go kee my enemies eni eleni ni n ru eru sanni Ogo ni mí.”

With the caption that read; “On God my Glory Go Kill My Enemy I believe in God Iyanumasele Any disappointment is a blessings Man No Be God.”

Nigerians react as Portable allegedly assaults government officials  

Portable's actions have sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for him to be held accountable for his actions.

TheRadar compiled some reactions below;

@JFatola posted: “He’s cup is filled now , this time he will do jail 😀.” 

@akomscopy posted: “Just imagine the effrontery, this is the height of it, I guess he was under the influence. Apprehending him should set the records straight, ogun state government should use the full strength of the law on him. A proper nuisance.”

@Abass193 posted “disagree with “under the influence” sha. I know how they behave in that OkeOsa, once you have money they worship you fully as if there’s no tomorrow. The same humble guy of ystrday (cuz no money) is the same guy harassing ppl today cuz he thinks he’s above the LAW. LMAO.”

@OurFavOnlineDoc posted: “If he truly did all this, he’s in deep shit.” 

@Rickendee posted: “This time he will enter prison and be there for a long long long time. That boys a thug! Why give him attention?”. 

@harwohyehmi1 commented: “I hope he is properly prosecuted this tome around, This is the second time he will assault government officials.” 

@iSkimfit posted: “This is what Yorubas call afowoshe. Or is it edi? Cos for someone with such level of grace and stardom, what exactly does he stand to gain with a behavior like this? 

Imagine going from a much successful international collaboration to an unnecessary local hooligan.”

@AsiwajuOladimej commented: “The problem is that Portable believed he could get away with some of his reckless behavior all the time. The Ogun State government has enough cases to build against him with his behavior and action against government officials. I want to believe that the full wrath of law will be used this time around.”

@lorrylarry commented: “That guy is a rascal. He should pay for this big time. I hope he's in police custody, and they should not waste time in taking him to court. Shey o ni oun stoopid ni. I am very sure he won't have any legal document on that place he's occupying.” 

@sposhbaba commented: “It will be a BiG SHAME to the whole Ogun state govt if he’s not properly prosecuted for this.”

8 notable controversies of Nigerian singer Portable you should know

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier compiled eight times Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable has been involved in a controversy following his recent controversial statements and trending videos 

Nigerian controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola is arguably one artiste who never misses out on a controversy. It is either someone is ‘ripping’ him, or there’s a feud with one celebrity or the other.