Controversial street-pop artist Habeeb Okikiola, known as Portable, says he will respond to an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in September over allegations of abusing Nigeria’s currency.
In an Instagram video, the singer said he had consulted his lawyer, who advised him to delay the appearance because of insecurity and hardship in the country.
"He said people are not at peace mentally, so I should give him until September. In September, we will honour the EFCC invitation," Portable said.
He added that the EFCC contacted him following his child’s naming ceremony and insisted he was not evading the agency.
Portable, who campaigned for the All Progressives Congress (APC) during recent election cycles, appealed to President Bola Tinubu for intervention.
He claimed the EFCC was attempting to intimidate him and argued that he had not committed fraud or 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?" he said.
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The musician also questioned why he was being targeted for allegedly holding money in both hands in a video, while other public figures who he said had sprayed or stepped on naira notes had not faced similar action.
He listed several names and alleged ethnic bias in enforcement.
In April 2023 Portable was arrested by Ogun State Police and charged with assault and theft after a viral video showed him resisting arrest and insulting officers.
He was later granted bail by an Ifo Magistrate Court, but has also faced police scrutiny over past claims about Lagos street gangs, which he later denied.
The EFCC has intensified its clampdown on naira abuse in recent months, with several high-profile figures prosecuted for spraying, stepping on or mishandling the currency.
Under Nigerian law, defacing or abusing the naira is an offence.
Portable rose to national fame in 2021 with his viral hit Zazzu Zeh featuring Poco Lee and Olamide.
Known for his volatile social media outbursts and unfiltered street slang, he has built a brand around constant controversy.
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