Portable explains why he refused to pray with cellmates during police detention

Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has shared that his recent detention in police custody served as an opportunity to clear up misconceptions about him, particularly the claims that he is mentally unstable.

Portable was arrested and arraigned over charges of conspiracy and assault involving three officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

In a recent interview on Echo Room, the singer revealed that upon entering the cell, the leader of the cell voluntarily stepped down, allowing him to take charge. However, Portable declined the offer, explaining that the cell was not his home.

He also described the difficult conditions in the cell, including how new detainees were often beaten. Portable shared that he managed to avoid this treatment by “blessing” the prisoners in Cell 4.

Portable went on to explain that some of his cellmates attempted to engage him in prayer, but he refused, stating that their prayers would not be effective due to their past actions.

“I am a government’s child. They said I am crazy, but when I got to the government, I told them I’m not crazy. When I entered Cell 4, I blessed them. Normally, they beat new people in the cell; when I got there, the head of the cell dethroned himself for me to become the leader, but I said, ‘No, this is not my house.’ I asked what his offence was, and he said he was accused of murder. I told him to stay beside me as long as he didn’t kill me.

“One person suggested we pray; I said, ‘No, God doesn’t answer this kind of prayer. We aren’t in church. One person said he had killed someone, another said two, and another said three. I haven’t killed anyone, so our prayers can’t work together. Pray on your own,’” Portable explained.