Police launch investigation into viral video showing Portable assaulted in detention

The Ogun State Police Command has commenced an investigation following the circulation of a video online that appears to show popular Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, also known as Portable, being assaulted while under police detention.

The footage, which has gone viral across social media platforms, especially X, shows the Zazu artiste handcuffed, shirtless, and visibly distressed as he pleads tearfully while seated on a couch inside what is believed to be a police holding facility.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that the incident occurred at a detention centre in Ogun State, where the musician was allegedly beaten by police officers, triggering widespread public criticism and renewed debate over police brutality and human rights violations.

Responding to the incident, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed to Vanguard that Portable is still in custody while strongly condemning the alleged assault captured in the video.

“Let me give you a heads up before my official statement comes out,.

“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,”DSP Babaseyi said.

The police spokesperson further emphasised that the recording or public exposure of suspects is against police regulations, noting that such actions compromise investigations and put suspects at risk.

“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 said.

DSP Babaseyi disclosed that an internal inquiry has already been initiated and assured that officers found guilty would be held accountable.

“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 is linked to allegations of assault levelled against actress and skit maker Omobolarinde Akinyanju, popularly known as Ashabi Simple, who is one of his baby mamas and the mother of one of his children.

The alleged incident reportedly took place on January 1, 2026, at the singer’s bar in Ogun State, where Ashabi had gone following an invitation from Portable.

Sources said the disagreement began after Ashabi demanded recognition as Portable’s wife rather than a baby mama, a position the singer reportedly rejected, insisting that only his legally married wife, Bewaji, holds that status.

The argument allegedly escalated into physical violence, with Ashabi accusing Portable of slapping and beating her, confiscating phones, and threatening her and her siblings with an axe.

In response, Portable later addressed the allegations in a lengthy Instagram video, where he expressed outrage over the lawsuit filed against him by Ashabi and accused her of infidelity.