The Ogun State Police Command has dismissed claims by controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, that he is undergoing psychiatric treatment, maintaining that he remains a wanted man.
Portable, in a video on Tuesday, claimed he is a “madman” receiving treatment at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta.
He made the statement while pleading with Nigerians and the Ogun State Government following his declaration as wanted by the police.
However, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, insisted that the singer must turn himself in for investigation.
“Portable will come and submit himself. He cannot be in the psychiatric hospital in Aro. Everybody knows that he is a wanted person. So, if he is going to be in anybody’s facility, the police will not accept that. He is a wanted man,” Odutola said.
The singer is accused of attacking three officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Ota Zonal Office—TPL Onabanjo Abidemi, TPL Raymond Lateef and TPL Ridwan Oyero Akinlesi—during an enforcement exercise in Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu, Ota.
The officials reportedly encountered Portable’s father at Odogwu Bar, who informed them that his son was unavailable. Shortly after, Portable allegedly arrived with a firearm and alongside nine others, assaulted the unarmed officials.
The police stated that the officers sustained injuries but managed to escape and report the incident to the Ota Area Command.
The case was escalated to the State Criminal Investigation Department, leading to the arrest of nine of Portable’s alleged accomplices, while the singer fled and has since gone into hiding.
Odutola noted that the police had sent multiple formal invitations to Portable, which he ignored without providing legal representation.
“Following his repeated evasion, the Ogun State Police Command has obtained a valid court order declaring him wanted,” she added.
Reacting to the allegations, Portable went on a social media rant on Tuesday, alleging that he was being targeted for wearing a vest featuring the image of Ogun West Senator Adeola Solomon, popularly known as Yayi.
He reiterated his claim of being mentally unstable, stating that he has medical records at the psychiatric hospital.
“I fear government. I am Federal Government liability. I am a madman; I have medications that I usually take. You can confirm from Aro Hospital. I have a card that certifies me as one of their patients.
“I am from Abeokuta, and they are taking care of me there. I am not a thief; I help people around me without even looking at their background,” he said.
Meanwhile, Senator Adeola’s Special Assistant on New Media, Damilare Oloyede, has distanced his principal from Portable’s predicament.
“Portable should be responsible for once. Senator Yayi won’t help him in this predicament that’s purely a result of his irresponsibility, lack of decorum, and sheer display of lunacy (as confirmed by himself). How does one think name-dropping of Senator Yayi would help him evade justice after being declared wanted by law enforcement agencies?” Oloyede said.
“For the umpteenth time, Senator Yayi is a law-abiding public servant. He is a responsible leader to his constituents, followers, and admirers. Hence, he won’t, can’t, and will never tolerate irresponsible acts around him,” he added.
