THE OGUN STATE Police Command has declared popular but controversial singer, Habeeb Olalomi, widely known as Portable, wanted for allegedly orchestrating a violent attack on government officials carrying out lawful duties.
The incident, which occurred on 5 February 2025 at around 10:00 a.m., reportedly took place at Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu Ota, when three officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development—TPL Onabanjo Abidemi, TPL Raymond Lateef, and TPL Ridwan Oyero Akinlesi—were conducting an enforcement exercise.
According to police accounts, the officials had arrived at Odogwu Bar, a property linked to Portable, where they encountered an elderly man identified as the singer’s father. Upon requesting the building’s approved plan, Portable’s father allegedly informed them that his son was unavailable.
However, the situation took a violent turn shortly afterwards. The Explainer learned that Portable, allegedly armed with a firearm and other dangerous weapons, arrived at the scene with a gang of nine thugs and launched an assault on the unarmed officials. The attack left the enforcement officers injured, forcing them to flee and report the matter to the Ota Area Command, which subsequently escalated the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department.
While nine of Portable’s alleged accomplices were apprehended, the singer himself reportedly fled and has since gone into hiding. The Explainer gathered that multiple formal invitations were extended to him by the Ogun State Police Command, requesting his presence at the Command Headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta. However, he allegedly ignored the invitations and failed to provide any legal representation.
In a statement issued on Monday, police spokesperson Omolola Odutola confirmed that a valid court order has now been obtained to declare Portable wanted.
“Following his repeated evasion, the Ogun State Police Command has obtained a valid court order declaring him wanted,” the statement read.
The police have now called on the public to assist in locating the singer, warning that anyone found aiding or harbouring him will face legal consequences.
“Members of the public are strongly advised to provide any valuable information that can lead to his immediate arrest. Anyone found aiding or harbouring the suspect will face legal consequences,” the statement added.
Citizens with relevant information have been urged to report to the nearest police station or contact the Ogun State Police Command through its official communication channels.
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The controversy surrounding Portable comes just two weeks after nine of his associates were arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Isabo, Abeokuta, for allegedly assaulting officers of the Ota Zonal Planning Office of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
The defendants, identified as Nurudeen Warris (21), Adetola Alashe (25), Samuel Adeleke (28), Oluwaseun Ayenuwa (19), Oluwapelumi Adeosun (20), Gospel Kanu (20), Precious Ohiegebo (19), Ifeoluwa Babatunde (27), and Fatimo Muhammed (26), were charged with felony, assault, unlawful restriction, possession of weapons, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
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The Explainer gathered that they all pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutor Sunday Ekong told the court that the accused persons, along with Portable (who remains at large), unlawfully assaulted and obstructed the three town planning officers—Abidemi Onabanjo, Ramon Lateef, and Akinpelumi Oyero—while they were carrying out their official duties at Odogwu Bar.
Ekong further stated that the defendants and Portable were allegedly armed with weapons and conducted themselves in a manner likely to disturb public peace.
The offences, the Explainer learned, contravened Sections 516, 356(3), 80, 249(d), and 320 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.
Presiding over the case, Magistrate O.M. Somefun granted each of the defendants bail set at ₦5 million, with sureties of the same amount. The magistrate also ruled that the sureties must be licensed bondsmen registered with the Ogun State Government.
The Explainer gathered that the case has been adjourned to 17 March 2025 for a hearing.
Portable is no stranger to controversy. His public image has been defined by a series of legal battles and erratic behaviour, often making headlines for clashes with law enforcement and industry figures.
The Explainer recalls that In March 2023, Portable was arrested by the Ogun State Police Command after failing to comply with multiple police invitations regarding an alleged assault case in Ogun State. In a separate incident, he was taken into custody for allegedly refusing to pay debts owed to a car dealer.
While some of his supporters argue that he is being targeted due to his outspoken nature, others see his repeated altercations with authorities as a sign of recklessness.