Controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has refused to honour an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over allegations of naira abuse linked to a recent personal event.
The singer confirmed in videos shared on his Instagram page on Tuesday that he had received an official letter from the commission.
The invitation, according to him, is connected to alleged spraying and mishandling of the naira during his son’s naming ceremony held in May.
Portable, however, insisted that he would not appear before the agency at the moment. He said he had already instructed his lawyer to handle the matter on his behalf, citing what he described as the current insecurity and hardship in the country.
He explained that his lawyer advised him to delay any appearance until September, arguing that the country is not in a stable condition. Portable maintained that he is not evading the EFCC but is prioritising his family’s safety.
In his words, he said, “Before anyone invites me anywhere, the person usually sends me money. But now that the invitation is from the EFCC, I will send my lawyer in my place. I have already spoken with my lawyer, and he said Nigeria is currently in a difficult state. He said his children are at home and unable to attend school because of kidnapping and insecurity.
“He also said people are not at peace mentally, so I should give him until September. In September, we will honour the EFCC invitation. They sent me a letter because of my child’s naming ceremony. What exactly did I do wrong? Normally, people pay me before I honour invitations. EFCC, I am not running from you. I am at home protecting my family because Nigeria is not peaceful.”
The singer also criticised the tone of the invitation, describing it as harsh and unnecessary. He accused the anti-graft agency of focusing on entertainers while ignoring more serious national security concerns.
Portable further alleged that criminals and bandits who cause harm across the country are not being pursued with the same intensity. He appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a politician, for intervention, saying he feels targeted despite his support for the government.
He said, “Instead, they chose to send letters to Zazzu. President Tinubu, this is when I need your help. I have been supporting you and working for you. Please do not allow the EFCC to tarnish my image. The EFCC wants to intimidate me. I am not Nigeria’s problem. I am not involved in fraud, theft, or money laundering. They accused me of abusing the naira.
“If the EFCC unlawfully arrests me, I have people who will stand by me. In fact, they cannot silence me. I will report the matter to traditional leaders, pastors, and imams. Nigeria is bleeding, yet the EFCC is inviting me. Is it because I am popular? There is hardship everywhere, and many people survive through borrowing,” said Portable.”
He also questioned what he described as selective enforcement of laws relating to naira abuse. According to him, several public figures have engaged in similar acts without facing similar scrutiny.
He added, “Others have publicly sprayed or stepped on money without facing the same treatment. Tompolo stepped on money, yet because I held money in both hands in a video, they are sending me a letter. Igbo and Hausa people spray money and step on it, yet the EFCC does not arrest them.
“But once the Yoruba people organise a party, the authorities begin to pursue them. E-Money, Cubana Chief Priest and others also sprayed and stepped on money. Because I support and promote Tinubu, they sent me a letter. If anything happens to me, people will protest.”
Portable also stated that the funds involved were obtained through a bureau de change operator, adding that he is gradually repaying the money. He questioned why a private celebration in his home should attract regulatory attention.