Controversial Nigerian street musician, Habeeb Okikiola, widely recognized by the moniker Portable, is poised to unveil a new extended play (EP) that elucidates his recent confrontation with the Ogun State government.
This development arises mere days following Portable’s declaration as a wanted individual by law enforcement authorities for charges including conspiracy, serious assault, armed violence, disturbance of public peace, and attempted murder through the purported enlistment of armed thugs.
Subsequently, he voluntarily surrendered to the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) located in Yaba before being relocated to the Ogun State Police headquarters.
On the preceding Friday, the musician was formally charged in court with five counts, encompassing conspiracy, assault, and the possession of lethal weapons such as cutlasses and firearms.
He entered a plea of not guilty and was granted bail amounting to N2 million. Among the conditions of his bail, he was prohibited from discussing the case or any related matters on social media platforms. The proceedings are set to resume on March 5.
In spite of the imposed restrictions and the artist’s commitment to refrain from further legal entanglements, Portable has ingeniously discovered a medium for self-expression. Via his Instagram account, he hinted at the impending release of his new EP, entitled ‘Ogo Wanted’, in which he ostensibly alludes to his current legal predicaments.
In his post, he boasted that the money he makes from music surpasses earnings from internet fraud, known locally as “Yahoo Yahoo.” Portable wrote:
“OGO Wanted. Music money pass Yahoo. Zeh Nation, many inspiration.”
Fans flooded his comment section with reactions, many noting that the singer had turned his legal drama into a musical project.
One follower, @Dorck_i, wrote, “Emergency album.”
Another, @Ayor_aad, commented, “This one used the whole matter to record a full EP.”
@Theonlyimmam, stated, “They said you shouldn’t talk online again, so now you’re using music instead?”
