Controversial Nigerian singer Portable has been arrested and reportedly assaulted by police following a dispute with his baby mama, actress Ashabi Simple.
Portable was taken into custody on Saturday, a week after evading arrest. The singer had been reported to the police by Ashabi Simple and her siblings for alleged assault during a domestic dispute.
On Sunday evening, a video circulated widely on social media showing Portable handcuffed, shirtless, and tearfully pleading while seated in what appeared to be a police holding area. In the footage, he lamented being alone, stating, “My mum is late. It’s only God I have, I have no one else.”
The video has sparked widespread outrage online, with many Nigerians condemning the alleged mistreatment.
Reacting to the footage, Ogun State Police Command spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed that Portable was in custody for a separate matter but condemned the alleged assault shown in the video. He emphasized that the police do not condone mistreatment or public exposure of suspects.
“Yes, he was arrested, and he is with us, but that is a different issue. What is important is the assault that was happening at the station. We don’t condone it. We don’t condone videoing suspects. We don’t even put suspects’ faces out. No matter who the suspect is, nobody should be treated in such a manner,” Babaseyi said.
He added that an investigation has begun to identify the officers involved, and any culpable personnel will be handed over to the appropriate authorities.
Portable’s arrest follows reports that Ashabi Simple had filed a petition accusing him of slapping and beating her, confiscating phones, and threatening her and her siblings with an axe during the domestic dispute.