‘Assault on officials’: Portable begs Ogun government from hiding

Controversial singer Habeeb ‘Portable’ Okikiola has reacted to the arrest and arraignment of nine associates before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court in Ogun State on Friday.

Blueprint earlier reported that Portable went into hiding after the Ogun State Police Command arrested and arraigned his protégés for allegedly assaulting officers of the Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority (OGPDPA).

Portable revealed that OGPDPA officials sealed his unfinished building and hotel in Sango-Ota, arrested and detained over 20 of his workers, and confiscated alcoholic beverages from his bar.

Speaking from hiding in a series of videos on his Instagram page on Saturday, the ‘Your Papa No Be Army’ crooner pleaded with the state government to release his protégés.

The singer further denied allegations of assaulting government officials, insisting that he was being unjustly targeted.

He said: “I didn’t fight anyone from the Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority (OGPDPA). I challenge them to post videos of where I fought with them in my bar. The children they arrested are harmless—they are learning trades. I am only helping them. Did they find Indian hemp in my bar? No. Instead, they took phones, drinks, and everything inside.

“Please, I am begging—release my boys. Their parents needed them, and I was only helping them. I have been brooding. Don’t push me to the point of suicide—I am already losing weight. Those arrested are like family to me. Please release those children. I have done nothing to deserve this.”

The ‘Spider-Man’ crooner, who appeared to be speaking from hiding, alleged that government officials confiscated properties from his bar and injured his apprentice and customers.

“The government officials came to the house I was building and my bar, forcing all of us out while I was asleep. They went to my academy (Odogwu Bar), where I supported not just musicians but also fashion designers, carpenters, bricklayers, and others, caring for other people’s children.” he added.