Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, made a dramatic attempt to evade arrest by the Lagos State Police Command on Tuesday by jumping over a gate. The arrest followed a complaint from a car dealer to whom Portable owed money.
Portable had initiated the purchase of a N27 million G-Wagon from the dealer, making an initial payment and promising to settle the remaining amount later. However, he reportedly failed to pay the balance, claiming the vehicle was faulty.
A video of the arrest circulating on social media shows the singer, dressed in a white and black striped shirt, standing with eight other people and conversing amicably with the officers. When shown a warrant of arrest, Portable responded calmly, saying, “No problem, no problem Oga mi,” while pacing around. He then suddenly climbed over a nearby gate and attempted to flee.
In another video, he is seen being apprehended by four police officers and bundled into a waiting vehicle.
Confirming the arrest, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin stated, “Yes, Portable has been arrested. He bought a G-Wagon for N27 million, paid N13 million, and refused to pay the rest, claiming the vehicle was bad. We arrested him today.”
This is not Portable’s first run-in with the law. In 2023, he was arrested and arraigned over allegations of assault on a former signee. Despite police requests for him to turn himself in, he was eventually picked up at his Ota residence.
Known for his numerous controversies, Portable rose to fame with his hit single “Zazuu,” featuring rapper Olamide, in 2021.