Portable Screams “God Where Are You?” as Police Manhandle Him Over SUV Debt

Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, better known as Portable is in the news again, and as usual, for the wrong reasons. He spent the night at the Lagos State Police Headquarters following his dramatic arrest on Tuesday.

The incident stemmed from a petition filed against the singer by a Lagos-based car dealer, Ogunsanwo Temitope of Temmy Autos, alleging that the singer defaulted on payments.

The Backstory

In January 2024, Portable acquired a Mercedes Benz GLE valued at N27 million from Ogunsanwo. The purchase agreement, obtained by Business Elites Africa, allowed for the payment to be made in four installments: an initial N12 million followed by three payments of N5 million each. Despite this arrangement, reports say Portable has only paid N13 million to date.

Ogunsanwo claims that the singer has refused to settle the remaining balance, attributing his non-payment to mechanical issues with the SUV. 

He also refused to return the vehicle as requested by the dealer.

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Portable’s Arrest

The situation escalated on Tuesday, May 14, when police officers, acting on Ogunsanwo’s petition, attempted to take Portable into custody. 

The singer initially fled, jumping over a gate, but was eventually subdued by four officers who forcibly restrained and handcuffed him. During the altercation, Portable was heard repeatedly crying out, “God where are you?”

The Lagos State Police Command spokesperson SP Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the arrest to Business Elites Africa.

At the time of this report, no surety has stepped forward to secure the singer’s release on bail.

Portable and Controversies

In a series of events that have cast a shadow over his music career, it would seem Portable is more popular for his many troubles than his music.

Although, oftentimes, he turns every incident into an opportunity to create a social media buzz or release a new song, many wonder if his luck is fast running out, with brands and industry players who don’t want to be in the news for the wrong reasons.

In March 2023, Portable was arrested following allegations from a signee that he had made threats against his life. 

Known for his defiance, he resisted arrest and was subsequently arraigned before a High Court. The incident inspired one of his hit songs, “Government,” where he chronicled his experience in the Police cell.

In another incident, Portable was involved in a public dispute with dancer Poco Lee, accusing him of financial misconduct during a concert that also featured Grammy-winner Wizkid and rapper Olamide. 

According to Portable, Poco Lee allocated only $600 of the total money collected to him, keeping the remaining $2,400.

Portable’s reputation for volatility also affected his international prospects in 2022. He was excluded from performing at a show in Canada due to concerns expressed by a Canadian-based Nigerian MC named Morris about the singer’s professional conduct. 

Morris’ complaints about Portable’s frequent changes in management led him to contact immigration authorities to block the singer’s visa application, further limiting Portable’s international opportunities.

Although he has since seized more international opportunities, including his recent collaboration with British rapper Skepta on ‘Tony Montana’, Portable’s career is seemingly hanging by a thread.