Police Launch Probe as Viral Video Shows Musician Portable Handcuffed and Allegedly Assaulted in Ogun Custody

A viral video showing controversial Nigerian street-pop musician, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, handcuffed and allegedly beaten while in police custody has sparked widespread outrage, debate, and renewed scrutiny of police conduct in Nigeria. The footage, which has been circulating rapidly across social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube, shows the visibly distressed artiste crying, pleading, and appearing to be assaulted by individuals believed to be police officers inside a detention facility in Ogun State.

Portable’s arrest itself has attracted attention, given his celebrity status and long history of public controversies. According to online reports and comments circulating alongside the video, the singer was allegedly arrested following a complaint linked to one of his baby mamas, although the precise details of the complaint remain unclear and officially unconfirmed. What has, however, drawn the most public concern is not just the arrest, but the treatment of the musician while in custody.

Reacting to the incident, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed that Portable is indeed in police custody. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, acknowledged the authenticity of the arrest but strongly condemned the alleged assault shown in the viral footage. According to him, while suspects can lawfully be arrested and detained, any form of physical abuse or inhumane treatment is unacceptable and contrary to the standards and ethics of the Nigeria Police Force.

“He was arrested and he is with us, but that is a different issue,” DSP Babaseyi stated. “What is important is the assault that was happening at the station. We don’t condone it.” His statement underscores the police position that no suspect, regardless of their alleged offence, should be subjected to brutality or degrading treatment.

The police spokesperson further emphasized that filming suspects while in custody and circulating such footage publicly is against police regulations. He noted that exposing suspects’ identities in such circumstances could compromise investigations and put the safety of detainees 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 added.

In response to public pressure, the Ogun State Police Command announced that it has commenced an internal investigation into the incident. DSP Babaseyi assured Nigerians that officers found to be involved in the alleged assault or in the unauthorized recording of the video would face appropriate disciplinary action in line with the law. “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.

The incident has generated mixed reactions among Nigerians. While some members of the public expressed sympathy for Portable and condemned police brutality, others focused on the musician’s repeated involvement in controversies, drug-related allegations, and public altercations. Several commentators argued that Portable’s lifestyle and behavior often place him in conflict with authorities, while others insisted that personal conduct does not justify abuse by law enforcement.

Human rights advocates have also weighed in, stressing that the case goes beyond Portable as an individual and touches on a broader pattern of police misconduct in Nigeria. They argue that if a high-profile celebrity can allegedly be assaulted in custody, then ordinary Nigerians without fame or influence may be even more vulnerable. Calls have been renewed for stronger oversight, accountability mechanisms, and sustained reforms within the police force.

As the investigation continues, many Nigerians are watching closely to see whether the outcome will lead to real consequences for any officers involved or become another episode that fades after public outrage subsides. For now, the Portable incident has once again placed the spotlight on police brutality, the treatment of suspects in custody, and the urgent need to align law enforcement practices with human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria.