Habeeb Okikiola, Nigerian singer and street-hop sensation popularly known as Portable, has issued a formal statement addressing a lingering controversy involving a phone theft allegation from his time with his former record label, Destiny Records.
The singer, known for his unconventional style and outspoken nature, took to his Instagram page to break his silence on the issue, years after the incident first surfaced online. Portable’s statement seeks to clarify what he described as a deliberate attempt to tarnish his image and undermine his career by individuals he once trusted.
According to him, during his brief stint with Destiny Records, he was given a mobile phone by the label’s owner, Ija Omode, who also serves as the current Vice Chairman of the Union of Road Transport in Ogun State. The phone, he explained, was provided as part of the support package from the label.
However, things reportedly took a negative turn when Portable decided to leave the label. The artist said his decision was based on the label’s inability to provide meaningful support or growth opportunities for his budding career. His exit, he claimed, was not taken lightly by those associated with Destiny Records.
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In a shocking revelation, Portable alleged that shortly after his departure, individuals affiliated with the label ambushed him, forcefully retrieved the phone, and bypassed its password. He further claimed that he was subjected to public humiliation during the incident, including being stripped, an ordeal that was not only dehumanising but also recorded and shared online.
“The video of me being humiliated was circulated on social media, making it look like I actually stole the phone,” he said. “It was a calculated move to disgrace me and damage my reputation when I had no voice to defend myself.”
While the matter faded from the headlines, Portable said the impact of the public embarrassment and false accusation lingered. He noted that the people involved have since reached out to him privately, offering apologies and seeking reconciliation. However, they have not made any public efforts to correct the false narrative that painted him as a thief.
Portable emphasized that his decision to finally speak on the matter is not driven by vengeance, but by a desire for justice and clarity. He expressed concerns that many young and struggling artists are often victims of similar mistreatment by record labels that exploit their desperation and lack of experience.
“This is not just about me. It’s about the many up-and-coming artists out there who may not have the platform to speak out,” he said. “What happened to me was a clear case of intimidation and bullying. It is wrong, and I won’t be silent about it anymore.”
He concluded the statement by calling for transparency and accountability in the Nigerian music industry, urging stakeholders to protect the rights and dignity of emerging talents.
“This official statement is made in the interest of truth, justice, and transparency. Portable is not seeking revenge but hopes to prevent similar cases of exploitation and abuse from being repeated against other rising stars,” the statement read in part.
The singer, who has since risen to fame with hit tracks and headline-making antics, said he now feels strong enough to revisit the painful chapter of his career and reclaim his narrative.
