In an incident that has ignited a firestorm on social media and raised urgent questions about police conduct, the Ogun State Police Command finds itself at the center of a national controversy. A deeply disturbing viral video, circulating widely across platforms like X, appears to show the popular Nigerian musician Habeeb Okikiola, known globally as Portable, being assaulted while in police custody.
The graphic footage depicts the “Zazu” crooner shirtless and handcuffed, seated on a couch in what seems to be a police holding area, tearfully pleading as unseen individuals are alleged to be beating him.
This visual has not only sparked public outrage but has compelled the police authorities to launch an immediate internal investigation, juxtaposing the serious allegations against the artist with the force’s own protocols on suspect treatment.
Reacting to the escalating public concern, the Police Public Relations Officer for Ogun State, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, offered a preliminary but pointed response. While confirming that Portable remains in their custody on separate charges, DSP Babaseyi was unequivocal in condemning the actions captured 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. We don’t condone it,” he stated.
He further emphasized a critical breach of procedure, noting that the filming or public display of suspects is strictly prohibited as it endangers both the safety of individuals and the integrity of ongoing investigations.
“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 affirmed, signaling a clear distinction between lawful detention and unjustified mistreatment.
DSP Babaseyi assured the public that the command has commenced a formal internal investigation and that any officer found culpable would face legal consequences.
“The investigation is ongoing, and the officers involved, if found culpable, will be sent to the appropriate authorities. That process has already started,” he declared.
This probe now sits alongside the original case for which Portable was arrested, which stems from serious allegations of assault made by
actress and skit maker Omobolarinde Akinyanju, popularly known as Ashabi Simple, who is also the mother of one of his children. The domestic incident, reportedly occurring on New Year’s Day at Portable’s bar, involved a violent altercation allegedly triggered by a dispute over Ashabi’s status in the musician’s life, with accusations of physical violence and threats made.
Thus, the situation presents a complex tangle of legal and ethical issues: a celebrity facing serious criminal allegations, whose detention process is now itself under investigation for potential human rights violations.
The Ogun State Police Command’s response will be closely scrutinized, as it must now navigate the twin challenges of addressing the alleged custodial misconduct while also pursuing justice in the original assault case.
This incident has amplified long-standing public concerns over police accountability and the treatment of suspects, making the outcome of this internal probe a significant benchmark for professional standards within the force.
