Controversial Nigerian street-pop artist Habeeb Okikiola, widely known as Portable, has declared he will honour the invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in September. The singer made this known in a video shared on Instagram, responding to the anti-graft agency's summons over allegations of abusing the national currency.
Portable expressed frustration over the development, revealing he has already consulted his legal counsel regarding the invitation. He stated, "Before anyone invites me anywhere, the person usually sends me money. But now that the invitation is from the EFCC, I will send my lawyer in my place. I have already spoken with my lawyer, and he said Nigeria is currently in a difficult state. He said his children are at home and unable to attend school because of kidnapping and insecurity."
He further explained that societal stress influenced his decision to postpone his appearance before the commission. "He also said people are not at peace mentally, so I should give him until September. In September, we will honour the EFCC invitation. They sent me a letter because of my child's naming ceremony. What exactly did I do wrong? Normally, people pay me before I honour invitations. EFCC, I am not running from you. I am at home protecting my family because Nigeria is not peaceful."
Portable Calls on Presidency for Intervention
The musician, who actively campaigned for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during election cycles, called upon the presidency to intervene in his situation, alleging that the anti-graft agency was merely trying to intimidate him. "Instead, they chose to send letters to Zazzu. President Tinubu, this is when I need your help. I have been supporting you and working for you. Please do not allow the EFCC to tarnish my image. The EFCC wants to intimidate me. I am not Nigeria's problem. I am not involved in fraud, theft, or money laundering. They accused me of abusing the naira," he said.
"If the EFCC unlawfully arrests me, I have people who will stand by me. In fact, they cannot silence me. I will report the matter to traditional leaders, pastors, and imams. Nigeria is bleeding, yet the EFCC is inviting me. Is it because I am popular? There is hardship everywhere, and many people survive through borrowing," Portable added.
Portable Questions EFCC's Targeting Criteria
The artist also questioned the criteria used by the commission to target individuals for currency mutilation. He alleged that other prominent public figures and different ethnic groups frequently commit the same offence without facing the law. "Others have publicly sprayed or stepped on money without facing the same treatment. Tompolo stepped on money, yet because I held money in both hands in a video, they are sending me a letter. Igbo and Hausa people spray money and step on it, yet the EFCC does not arrest them," he stated.
"But once the Yoruba people organise a party, the authorities begin to pursue them. E-Money, Cubana Chief Priest, and others also sprayed and stepped on money. Because I support and promote Tinubu, they sent me a letter. If anything happens to me, people will protest."
"What exactly is my offence? I did not steal, commit fraud, join bandits, or engage in money laundering. I earned my money through music. I travelled to London, America, and Canada legally and succeeded there, so why should people in Nigeria try to destroy my career?"
Portable's History of Legal Encounters
Portable rose to fame in 2021 following the release of his viral hit single "Zazzu Zeh," featuring award-winning dancer Poco Lee and industry heavyweight Olamide. Known for his highly volatile personality, erratic social media outbursts, and unfiltered street slang, the singer has built a brand that thrives on constant controversy.
This EFCC invitation is not the singer's first encounter with law enforcement agencies in Nigeria. He has a well-documented history of legal altercations. In April 2023, Portable was arrested by the Ogun State Police Command and arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on assault and theft after he allegedly resisted arrest and insulted police officers in a viral video. He was later granted bail by a Magistrate Court in Ifo.
Also, the singer has faced multiple public backlashes and investigations, including a probe by the police after he claimed in a video to have founded the notorious Lagos cult gangs, "One Million Boys" and "Ajah Boys" — a claim he later denied. His latest run-in with the commission follows a strict national clampdown on naira abuse, an enforcement drive that has already seen other high-profile figures prosecuted.
