Controversial singer Habeeb "Portable" Okikiola has replied to an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding claims of naira abuse.
Though the EFCC has not shared the official invitation letter on their social media, the "Spider-Man" crooner confirmed in a series of videos on his Instagram page on Tuesday that he received it.
He said the EFCC invited him over allegations of naira abuse during his son’s naming ceremony held in May.
Portable insisted he won’t go to the EFCC until certain conditions are met. 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. 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.”
The 32-year-old also called the EFCC’s invitation letter oppressive. He claimed the EFCC is not focusing on bandits who are killing innocent people and misusing money.
“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,” said Portable.
Portable further accused the EFCC of applying the law unfairly when it comes to naira abuse. He pointed out that other public figures seem to get different treatment in similar situations.
He questioned why he was being treated differently, saying he is not afraid of the EFCC. The singer noted, “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.”
According to Portable, the money that led to the EFCC’s letter came from a bureau de change operator. He mentioned that he is paying it back in instalments.
He asked if he was no longer allowed to celebrate in his own home, adding that the EFCC should stop treating him like a criminal.
“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?
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