Portable Rejects EFCC Invitation Over Alleged Naira Abuse, Says Lawyer Advised Him to Wait Until September
Controversial Nigerian street-hop singer, Habeeb Okikiola, widely known as Portable, has declined to honour an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations bordering on naira abuse during a recent family celebration.
PulseNets learnt that the singer disclosed the development in a series of videos shared via his Instagram page on Tuesday, where he confirmed receiving an official letter from the anti-graft agency.
According to Portable, the EFCC invitation is connected to allegations surrounding the spraying and handling of the naira during his son’s naming ceremony held in May.
The singer, however, maintained that he would not be appearing before the commission for now, revealing that he has directed his legal representative to engage with the agency on his behalf. He cited the prevailing insecurity and economic hardship across the country as reasons for postponing his appearance.
Portable explained that his lawyer advised him against honouring the invitation immediately, arguing that the security situation in Nigeria remains unstable. He stressed that his decision should not be interpreted as an attempt to evade the EFCC, insisting that his primary concern is the safety of his family.
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.”
PulseNets reports that Portable also criticised the manner in which the invitation was delivered, describing it as unnecessarily aggressive. He accused the commission of paying attention to entertainers while more pressing security challenges continue to affect citizens across the country.
The singer further alleged that bandits and other criminal elements responsible for violence in different parts of Nigeria are not being pursued with similar urgency. He subsequently appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for intervention, claiming he feels unfairly singled out despite openly supporting the administration.
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.”
Portable also questioned what he described as selective enforcement of regulations concerning naira abuse, arguing that several notable personalities have allegedly engaged in similar conduct without attracting comparable scrutiny from authorities.
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.”
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The singer further disclosed that the money involved in the ceremony was sourced through a bureau de change operator and is being repaid gradually. He questioned why a private family event conducted within his residence should become the subject of regulatory investigation by the EFCC.
The development adds to the growing list of naira abuse cases pursued by the anti-graft agency, as authorities continue to enforce provisions of the law relating to the spraying, mutilation, and improper handling of Nigeria’s currency.
