Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has reacted to an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of naira abuse linked to his son’s naming ceremony.
It was reported that the singer confirmed that he received a letter from the anti-graft agency, although the invitation had not been made public on the commission’s social media platforms.
In several videos shared on his Instagram page on Tuesday, Portable said the EFCC invited him to answer questions regarding activities that took place during the naming ceremony of his son in May.
Portable said he would not appear before the commission immediately.
According to him, his lawyer advised that he should wait until September before responding to the invitation because of the current security situation in the country.
He explained that his lawyer raised concerns about insecurity, kidnappings, and the general condition of the nation, leading to the decision to postpone any appearance before the agency.
The singer insisted that he was not hiding from the EFCC and claimed he remained at home with his family. He added that his legal representative would handle communications with the commission for the time being.
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. In September, we will honour the EFCC invitation. What exactly did I do wrong? EFCC, I am not running from you. I am at home protecting my family because Nigeria is not peaceful. The EFCC wants to intimidate me. I am not Nigeria’s problem. I am not involved in fraud, theft, or money laundering.
“President Tinubu, this is when I need your help. If the EFCC unlawfully arrests me, I have people who will stand by me. They cannot silence me. Nigeria is bleeding, yet the EFCC is inviting me. Is it because I am popular? Others have publicly sprayed or stepped on money without facing the same treatment. I am not afraid of the EFCC.
“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. Why should people in Nigeria try to destroy my career? ”.
