Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, widely known as Portable, was taken into police custody on Monday, over an alleged breach of contract related to a paid performance he failed to attend.
The incident stems from the Kwara Tampan Fiesta 1.0, which took place on September 29, 2024, at the Starwood O2 Arena in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Portable was reportedly paid a total of ₦6.3 million to perform at the event but did not show up, prompting the event organizers to seek legal recourse.
A media aide to the Managing Director of Starwood O2 Arena, speaking under anonymity according to SaharaRepoters, confirmed that the arrest was connected to the singer’s non-compliance with agreed terms.
“The arrest is from Starwood O2 Arena over the incident of ₦6.3 million. But the truth is, the MD is not the type who seeks publicity, which is why he is not available for interviews or public comments.”
The aide stressed that the MD’s primary goal is not publicity but the recovery of the payment made to the singer.
“However, what the MD truly wants is for Portable to pay back the money. Once Portable can settle the debt, the matter will be over,” the assistant explained.
According to details from the assistant, the original payment for the performance was ₦6 million, with an extra ₦300,000 transferred for transportation after Portable allegedly requested an additional ₦500,000.
“On the day of the event, we contacted Portable to confirm his plans, and he requested an extra ₦500,000 for transportation. Our MD transferred ₦300,000 to him, so the total amount comes to ₦6.3 million. Now, the MD is demanding that Portable pay back the ₦6 million, with the ₦300,000 as a bonus.”
Efforts to resolve the issue amicably have been ongoing since 2023, but the management says the singer has instead offered to perform at a different event; a proposal the organizers declined.
“We have been trying to resolve this issue since last year. Portable was paid for the event, but he failed to show up. Instead of attending the show, Portable has been requesting another performance, which the MD is not interested in. He’s not a good ambassador, and after all this, we simply want him to pay the money back,” the assistant said.
Despite the arrest, the MD reportedly hopes for a peaceful resolution.
As the situation develops and more information becomes available, Premier World News will provide updates.
