The Ogun State Police Command has ordered an investigation into a viral video allegedly showing the assault of controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, while in police custody.
In the footage circulating on social media, Portable is seen shirtless, handcuffed, and visibly distressed, seated on a chair in what appears to be a police holding area.
The singer could be heard crying and pleading, lamenting that he had no one to turn to except God.
“My mum is late. It’s only God I have, I have no one else,” he said tearfully in the video.
Online reports claimed that Portable was physically assaulted by police officers at the station where he was detained.
Reacting to the footage, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed that the singer was indeed in police custody, but stressed that the matter for which he was arrested was separate from the alleged assault shown in the video.
“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,” Babaseyi said.
He strongly condemned the alleged treatment of the suspect, noting that the police do not support the mistreatment of suspects or the public exposure of individuals in custody.
“We don’t condone it. 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.
Babaseyi further disclosed that an internal investigation has commenced to identify the officers involved in the alleged misconduct and that appropriate disciplinary action will follow if culpability is established.
“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 comes amid reports that a petition was filed by Ashabi Simple, one of his baby mamas.
According to the reports, Ashabi accused the singer of assault, alleging that he slapped and beat her, confiscated her mobile phones, and threatened her and her siblings with an axe following a domestic dispute.
As of the time of this report, investigations into both the allegations against Portable and the conduct of the officers involved are ongoing.
