The Ogun State Police Command has commenced an investigation into a viral video showing controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, allegedly being assaulted while in police custody.
The footage, which surfaced on social media on Saturday and spread rapidly across X and other platforms, shows the Zazu crooner handcuffed, shirtless and visibly distressed, while seated in what appears to be a police holding area. In the video, the singer is seen pleading tearfully as voices believed to be those of police officers are heard in the background.
The video has triggered widespread outrage, with Nigerians raising fresh concerns over police brutality, the treatment of suspects and adherence to human rights standards within detention facilities.
Reacting to the development, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed that Portable is currently in police custody but condemned any form of assault on suspects.
Speaking on the incident, Babaseyi stressed that the police do not condone the maltreatment of suspects, regardless of their status or the allegations against them.
“Let me give you a heads up before my official statement comes out. Yes, he was arrested and he is with us, but that is a different issue. What is important is the alleged assault that occurred at the station. We do not condone it,” he said.
The police spokesperson also faulted the recording and circulation of the video, noting that exposing suspects to public ridicule violates police procedures and could compromise investigations.
“We don’t condone videoing suspects or displaying them publicly. We do not even show suspects’ faces. No matter who the suspect is, nobody should be treated in such a manner,” Babaseyi added.
He disclosed that an internal investigation had already been initiated, assuring that any officer found culpable would be sanctioned in accordance with the law.
“The investigation is ongoing, and any officer involved, if found guilty, will be handed over to the appropriate authorities. That process has already begun,” he stated.
Portable’s arrest is linked to allegations of assault levelled against actress and skit maker, Omobolarinde Akinyanju, popularly known as Ashabi Simple, who is one of the singer’s baby mamas.
The alleged incident reportedly occurred on January 1, 2026, at Portable’s bar in Ogun State, where Ashabi had visited following an invitation from the singer.
According to reports, an argument ensued over Ashabi’s status in Portable’s life, as she allegedly demanded to be recognised as his wife, a claim the singer reportedly rejected, insisting that only his legally married wife, Bewaji, holds that position.
The disagreement reportedly escalated into physical violence, with Ashabi accusing Portable of slapping and beating her, confiscating phones, and threatening her and her siblings with an axe.
Portable has since denied the allegations, reacting in a lengthy Instagram video in which he expressed anger over the lawsuit filed against him and accused Ashabi of infidelity.
The police say investigations into both the assault allegations and the viral custody video are ongoing.
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