Nigerian Musician Portable Sentenced to Three Months in Prison, Released After Paying Fine

LAGOS, Nigeria — Controversial Nigerian street-hop singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, was sentenced to three months in prison on April 30, 2025, by an Ogun State Chief Magistrate Court in Ifo. The sentencing followed a high-profile legal battle that drew significant attention due to the musician’s outspoken persona and previous run-ins with the law. However, Portable avoided serving jail time after paying a fine, allowing his release shortly after the court’s ruling.

The Charges and Conviction

Portable, known for his hit song Zazu Zeh, faced three charges related to an incident that occurred on November 18, 2022. The charges included conspiracy to commit assault, unlawful assault, and theft. The prosecution alleged that Portable assaulted a police officer, Osimosu Emmanuel Oluwafemi, and resisted arrest during an altercation in the Sango-Ota area of Ogun State. The third charge accused him of stealing musical equipment, a claim that was not upheld by the court.

Chief Magistrate Babajide Ilo, presiding over the case, found Portable guilty on two counts: conspiracy to commit assault and unlawful assault. For the first count, he was sentenced to one month in prison with an option of a ₦10,000 fine. For the second count, he received a two-month sentence with a ₦20,000 fine option. The court dismissed the theft charge due to insufficient evidence.

Legal Proceedings and Public Attention

The case began gaining traction in April 2023 when Portable was arraigned following a viral video that showed him resisting arrest and allegedly assaulting the police officer. The video sparked widespread debate on social media, with some fans defending Portable’s actions as a response to provocation, while others criticized his conduct as reckless. The court granted him bail of ₦300,000 with two sureties at the time, but Portable’s failure to attend subsequent court hearings led to his remand in custody ahead of the sentencing.

Portable’s legal troubles have been a recurring theme in his career. The singer, known for his unfiltered personality and confrontational style, has previously been linked to incidents involving law enforcement and public disputes. His supporters, however, argue that his rise from humble beginnings to fame makes him a target for scrutiny.

Release and Reaction

Following the sentencing, reports confirmed that Portable paid the total ₦30,000 fine, securing his release from custody. The swift resolution allowed the musician to avoid serving the three-month prison term, much to the relief of his fans. Neither Portable nor his legal team has issued an official statement regarding the case, but sources close to the artist suggest he is eager to move past the incident and focus on his music career.

The ruling has sparked mixed reactions online. Some Nigerians praised the court for holding Portable accountable, emphasizing the importance of respecting law enforcement. Others expressed sympathy, arguing that the fine was a fair compromise and that Portable’s celebrity status may have intensified the consequences of what they view as a minor altercation.

Portable’s Career and Next Steps

Portable, born March 12, 1994, in Ogun State, rose to fame in 2021 with his breakout single Zazu Zeh, featuring Olamide and Poco Lee. His energetic performances and raw lyrical style have earned him a dedicated fanbase in Nigeria’s vibrant street-hop scene. Despite his legal challenges, Portable remains a polarizing yet influential figure in Afrobeats, with recent releases continuing to dominate local airwaves.

The musician’s ability to bounce back from controversies has been a hallmark of his career. As he navigates the aftermath of this sentencing, fans and industry watchers are eager to see how Portable will channel this experience into his music and public persona.

Broader Implications

The case highlights ongoing discussions about celebrity accountability in Nigeria, where high-profile figures often face intense public and legal scrutiny. It also underscores the challenges of maintaining public order in a country where tensions between citizens and law enforcement remain a sensitive issue.

For now, Portable’s release marks the end of this chapter, but his larger-than-life personality ensures he will remain a fixture in Nigeria’s entertainment landscape. As he returns to the studio and stage, the singer’s next moves will likely keep him in the spotlight—for better or worse.