Nigerian controversial singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has once again stirred public attention, this time with an explosive claim that he is mentally unstable and undergoing treatment at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta.
This revelation comes after the Ogun State Police Command declared the “Zazoo Zeh” crooner wanted over a violent confrontation with government officials. Sahara Reporters, in a post on its official X handle, highlighted Portable’s dramatic response, where he described himself as a “mad man” and urged Nigerians to take medications regularly.
The trouble began when three officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development’s Ota Zonal Office—Onabanjo Abidemi, Raymond Lateef, and Ridwan Oyero Akinlesi—were carrying out an enforcement exercise in the Oke-Osa area of Tigbo Ilu Ota, Ogun State.
According to the town planners, they first encountered an elderly man at Odogwu Bar, later identified as Portable’s father. When they requested to see the singer, they were informed that he was not around. Moments later, Portable allegedly arrived with a firearm and other weapons, leading a gang of nine men in an attack on the unarmed officials.
Following the shocking turn of events, Portable took to Instagram on Tuesday to appeal to Nigerians and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun. In a series of videos, he claimed he was being framed and linked his ordeal to his public support for Senator Adeola Solomon, popularly known as Yayi.
More controversially, the singer insisted that he suffers from mental instability and is under psychiatric care. Displaying what appeared to be a hospital card, he said:
> “I fear the government. I am a liability to the federal government. I am a mad man and take medications regularly. You can verify this with Aro Hospital. I have a card that confirms I am under their care.”
He added:
> “I’m from Abeokuta, and they are taking care of me there. I am not a thief, and I help people around me without asking about their background.”
Police Action and Ongoing Manhunt
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed that the assaulted officials sustained injuries but managed to escape. The case was swiftly escalated to the Ota Area Command and later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further action.
Law enforcement officers apprehended nine of Portable’s alleged accomplices, but the singer himself managed to evade capture and has since gone into hiding.
As the controversy unfolds, Nigerians are left debating whether Portable’s latest claims are a desperate ploy to evade justice or a genuine revelation of his struggles with mental health. The question remains—will the embattled singer surrender to the authorities, or will he continue his game of cat and mouse with the police?
PIONEER NEWS 