The Ogun State Police Command announced that an investigation is in progress following the surrender of controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, better known by his stage name Portable, on Wednesday morning. Portable, a figure known for his flamboyant and often contentious public behavior, turned himself in to authorities, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings against him.

The Lagos State Police Command, through its spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, revealed in a statement that the singer voluntarily surrendered at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti, located in the Yaba district of Lagos. Hundeyin further explained that the Ogun State Command was then notified for the transfer of the singer to their jurisdiction for continued investigation.

In a follow-up statement, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, confirmed Portable’s arrival at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Abeokuta, a major city in the state. The singer’s presence was noted at 1:23 PM in connection with an ongoing investigation. Odutola assured the public that the investigation would proceed with due diligence and that updates would be provided as necessary. She emphasized the importance of avoiding the spread of unverified information, stating, “The Ogun State Police Command remains committed to upholding justice and maintaining public order.”

“His presence at the SCID is in connection with an ongoing investigation. The command assures the public that due process will be followed in handling this matter, and updates will be provided as necessary. We urge members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information. The Ogun State Police Command remains committed to upholding justice and maintaining public order.”

– Omolola Odutola

When asked about the next steps after Portable’s surrender, Odutola stated that the investigation would continue and that Portable, like any other Nigerian citizen, would be treated fairly and without bias. She underscored the importance of transparency, noting, “Police will investigate. Portable is a Nigerian and should not be made like he is too important.”

This development comes amidst a volcanic controversy sparked when Portable, whose real name is Habeeb Okikiola, stepped forward in an Instagram video claiming he was “a madman” and seeking treatment at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro in Abeokuta. This followed his declaration as a wanted individual by the Ogun State Police Command, which issued a court order for his arrest due to previous evasion of legal summons.

It is reported that Portable was embroiled in a violent altercation with three officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development. The officials involved were TPL Onabanjo Abidemi, TPL Raymond Lateef, and TPL Ridwan Oyero Akinlesi. The incident reportedly took place during an enforcement operation in the Ota area. The officers were initially met by Portable’s father, who informed them that his son was unavailable. However, Portable’s violent response followed shortly thereafter.

According to the officials, Portable arrived armed with a firearm and accompanied by nine other individuals, launching an attack on the unarmed officials. Some of the enforcement officers sustained injuries and managed to escape, subsequently reporting the incident to the Ota Area Command, which escalated the matter to the State Criminal Investigation Department. Nine of Portable’s alleged accomplices were arrested, while the singer himself fled the scene and evaded authorities for a while.

Ogun State Inspector Odutola clarified that several formal invitations were sent to Portable, requesting his presence at the command headquarters, which he intentionally disregarded without providing any legal representation. “Following his repeated evasion, the Ogun State Police Command has obtained a valid court order declaring him wanted,” she added.