The Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation after a video surfaced showing Nigerian musician Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, allegedly being assaulted while in police custody. The video, which has gone viral on social media platforms including X, shows the Zazu crooner shirtless, handcuffed, and tearfully pleading while seated on a couch in what appears to be a police holding area. Reports indicate that he was allegedly beaten by officers at the detention facility, sparking public outrage and renewed scrutiny of police conduct and human rights practices. Police Public Relations Officer DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed that Portable remains in custody but condemned the alleged assault. “Yes, he was arrested, and he is with us, but that is a different issue. What is important is the assault that was happening at the station. We don’t condone it,” he said. DSP Babaseyi stressed that filming or publicly displaying suspects is prohibited, warning that such actions endanger both the safety of suspects and the integrity of investigations. “We don’t condone videoing suspects. We don’t even put suspects’ faces out. No matter who the suspect is, nobody should be treated in such a manner,” he added. He confirmed that an internal investigation has commenced and assured that any officer found culpable will face the law. “The investigation is ongoing, and the officers involved, if found culpable, will be sent to the appropriate authorities. That process has already started,” he said. Portable’s arrest stems from allegations of assault involving actress and skit maker Omobolarinde Akinyanju, also known as Ashabi Simple, one of his baby mamas. The incident reportedly occurred on January 1, 2026, at Portable’s bar in Ogun State, when Ashabi visited following an invitation from the singer. According to reports, a dispute broke out over Ashabi’s status in Portable’s life. She insisted on being recognized as a wife, while Portable maintained that only his legally married wife, Bewaji, holds that title. The argument allegedly escalated into physical violence, with Ashabi claiming that Portable slapped and beat her, seized phones, and threatened her and her siblings with an axe. Portable later addressed the allegations in a lengthy Instagram video, expressing anger over the lawsuit filed by Ashabi and accusing her of infidelity. The Ogun State Police have promised a thorough investigation into both the assault allegations and the conduct of the officers involved in Portable’s custody.
