Controversial singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has reacted to an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of naira abuse.
Although the anti-graft agency has not publicly released the invitation letter, the singer confirmed receiving it in a series of videos shared on his Instagram page on Tuesday.
Portable disclosed that the EFCC invited him in connection with alleged naira abuse during his son’s naming ceremony held in May.
The singer, however, said he would not personally honour the invitation immediately, explaining that his lawyer had advised him to delay his appearance due to the prevailing security situation in the country.
According to him, his lawyer raised concerns about the level of insecurity in Nigeria, including incidents of kidnapping that have affected normal activities such as schooling, and advised that the matter be revisited in September.
Portable insisted that he was not evading the commission, maintaining that he remained at home with his family and would eventually respond to the invitation through the appropriate legal process.
The musician also described the EFCC’s invitation as oppressive, alleging that the agency was focusing on him instead of addressing more serious criminal activities across the country.
He questioned why law enforcement agencies were not concentrating on banditry and other violent crimes, arguing that ordinary Nigerians were facing severe hardship and insecurity.
Portable further appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene, claiming that he had consistently supported the President and should not be subjected to what he described as intimidation by the anti-graft agency.
The singer maintained that he had never been involved in fraud, theft, money laundering or other financial crimes, insisting that his success was earned through his music career.
He also accused the EFCC of selectively enforcing laws relating to naira abuse, alleging that other public figures had been involved in similar acts without facing the same level of scrutiny.
Portable questioned why some individuals who allegedly sprayed or stepped on naira notes were not subjected to similar investigations, while he was being invited over activities at a private celebration.
The singer further claimed that the money involved in the incident originated from a bureau de change operator and disclosed that he was repaying the amount in instalments.
He insisted that he had committed no offence and urged the EFCC to stop treating him like a criminal, stressing that he had built his career legitimately through music and international performances.
Portable 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.
“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,
“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.
“What exactly is my offence? I did not steal, commit fraud, join bandits, or engage in money laundering. I earned my money through music. I travelled to London, America, and Canada legally and succeeded there, so why should people in Nigeria try to destroy my career?”
