The music industry in Nigeria was rocked recently when the Ogun Chief Magistrate Court in Ifo handed down a sentence to controversial street-hop artist Habeeb Okikiola, widely known by his stage name, Portable.

The court gave the singer a choice: serve a three-month prison term or pay a fine of N30,000 (approximately $18 USD).

This ruling, announced on May 1, 2025, stems from charges related to an incident in November 2022, where Portable allegedly assaulted a police officer and resisted arrest.

The case also included accusations of conspiracy to commit a felony and theft of musical equipment, making it a significant legal battle for the artist.

Portable, who rose to fame with his 2021 breakout track "ZaZoo Zehh" in collaboration with Nigerian rap star Olamide, has often found himself in the spotlight for more than just his music.

Known for his energetic performances and unapologetic persona, the 28-year-old artist has had multiple run-ins with the law.

This particular incident dates back to March 2023, when he was first arrested for the same charges.

At the time, he was granted bail set at N300,000 with the condition of providing two sureties from his immediate family.

However, Portable’s failure to attend subsequent court hearings led to his re-arrest, and he was remanded in custody before the final judgment was delivered.

The court’s decision has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, particularly on platforms like X, where fans and critics alike have shared their thoughts.

The incident in question took place on November 18, 2022, in Okeosa, Ilogbo, within the Ifo Magisterial District.

According to the police prosecutor, Inspector Olumide Awoleke, Portable not only assaulted a police officer but also obstructed officers who were attempting to serve an arrest warrant.

The charges detailed in the court documents also accused the singer of stealing musical equipment, including a Yamaha H55 studio monitor, a Studio 2 interface connection cable, and an AKG P420 condenser microphone.

Chief Magistrate Babajide Ilo, in delivering the judgment, found Portable guilty on two counts: conspiracy to assault, which carried a one-month sentence or a N10,000 fine, and unlawful assault, which resulted in a two-month sentence or a N20,000 fine.

Together, these penalties amounted to the three-month imprisonment or the N30,000 fine option.

The fine of N30,000 has raised eyebrows among observers, especially when viewed in the context of Nigeria’s economic landscape.

This amount, while significant for many Nigerians, is equivalent to the country’s former minimum wage before it was increased to N70,000 in 2024.

For a celebrity like Portable, who likely earns far more than the average citizen, the fine may seem like a minor inconvenience rather than a substantial deterrent.

This has led to debates about whether the punishment fits the crime, with some arguing that a heftier fine or a mandatory jail term might have sent a stronger message about the consequences of such behavior.

Portable’s legal troubles are not new. In April 2023, he was briefly detained after a viral video showed him resisting arrest, claiming he was a "federal government liability" and untouchable.

Despite these claims, the law caught up with him, and his latest sentencing underscores the challenges he faces in balancing his public persona with legal accountability.

As Portable navigates this latest chapter, the case serves as a reminder of the broader implications for celebrities in Nigeria, where fame often intersects with legal and societal expectations.

Whether he chooses to pay the fine or serve the sentence, the outcome of this case may shape how Portable approaches his career and public image moving forward.