Police declare singer Portable wanted over alleged attack on government officials

The Ogun State Police Command has declared controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, wanted for allegedly orchestrating a violent assault on government officials performing their lawful duties.

In a statement released on Monday, the command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, said the incident took place on February 5, 2025, at approximately 10:00 a.m. Three officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Ota Zonal Office—TPL Onabanjo Abidemi, TPL Raymond Lateef, and TPL Ridwan Oyero Akinlesi—were conducting an enforcement operation at Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu Ota.

During the exercise, the officials encountered Portable’s father at Odogwu Bar, a property linked to the singer. Shortly afterward, Portable allegedly arrived with a firearm and other dangerous weapons, leading a group of nine thugs in an attack on the unarmed officials.

Reports indicate that the officials sustained injuries but managed to escape and later reported the assault to the Ota Area Command, which escalated the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department.

According to Odutola, Portable repeatedly ignored several formal invitations to appear at the Ogun State Police Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta.

“Following his continued evasion, the Ogun State Police Command has secured a valid court order declaring him wanted,” the statement read.

The police urged the public to provide information on his whereabouts, warning that anyone aiding his escape would face legal consequences.

This development follows the arraignment of nine of Portable’s associates two weeks ago before a Magistrate Court in Isabo, Abeokuta, over the alleged assault on town planning officers.

The defendants, aged 19 to 28, pleaded not guilty to charges including felony, assault, unlawful restriction, possession of weapons, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

Police prosecutor Sunday Ekong told the court that the defendants, along with Portable, obstructed the officials while they were carrying out their duties at Odogwu Bar.

Magistrate O.M. Somefun granted each defendant ₦5 million bail with sureties and adjourned the case to March 17, 2025.