The Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation following the circulation of a viral video showing Nigerian musician Habeeb Okikiola, better known as Portable, allegedly being assaulted while in police custody.
The video, which has spread widely on social media, particularly on X, shows the Zazu crooner handcuffed, shirtless, and tearfully pleading while seated on a couch in what appears to be a police holding area. Reports suggest that police officers were seen beating Portable during his detention in Ogun State, prompting public outrage and renewed concerns over police conduct and human rights violations.
In response to the video, Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed that Portable remains in custody but condemned the alleged assault.
“Yes, he was arrested and is in our custody, but what matters now is the assault that took place at the station,” DSP Babaseyi told Vanguard. “We do not condone such actions.”
Babaseyi stressed that filming suspects or publicly displaying them is against police protocol, noting that it compromises the safety of suspects and the integrity of investigations.
“We do not allow videos of suspects. Their faces should not be exposed under any circumstances, regardless of who they are. No one should be treated this way,” he said.
He added that an internal investigation is underway, and any officers found responsible for the assault will face legal consequences. “The investigation is ongoing, and if any officers are found culpable, they will be handed over to the appropriate authorities,” Babaseyi assured.
Background on Portable’s arrest
Portable’s arrest followed allegations of assault by actress and skit maker Omobolarinde Akinyanju, better known as Ashabi Simple, one of his baby mamas and the mother of one of his children.
The incident reportedly occurred on January 1, 2026, at Portable’s bar in Ogun State, where Ashabi had visited after being invited by the musician. According to reports, the two got into a heated argument over Ashabi’s status in Portable’s life—she insisted on being recognized as his wife, while Portable maintained that only his legally married wife, Bewaji, held that title.
The disagreement escalated into a physical altercation, with Ashabi accusing Portable of slapping, beating her, seizing her phone, and threatening her and her siblings with an axe.
Portable responded to the allegations in a lengthy Instagram video, where he expressed anger over a lawsuit filed by Ashabi, accusing her of infidelity.
