Renowned Nigerian lawyer and human rights advocate Dele Farotimi has broken his silence on the recent arrest and detention of controversial street-hop artist Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, in Kwara State—and he’s not holding back.
In a strongly-worded post on X (formerly Twitter) on April 14, 2025, Farotimi made it clear he’s no fan of Portable or his antics:
“I like neither Portable nor his music. I believe him to be a walking violation of basic decency.”
But despite his personal disdain for the singer, Farotimi condemned the legal process that led to Portable’s arrest, describing those behind it as “practitioners in the administration of impunity.”
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The Arrest That Sparked Debate
Portable was arrested in Kwara State after a petition filed by Fuji legend Saheed Osupa, alleging the Zazu crooner used derogatory language online. However, legal critics—including Farotimi—have raised jurisdictional red flags.
The core argument? The alleged offense took place in Ogun State, where Portable had already been declared wanted by police earlier in February for reportedly assaulting government officials. Farotimi and others insist that Kwara courts lack the authority to apprehend or detain him for a matter outside their territorial jurisdiction.
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Farotimi: Nigeria’s Judiciary Is Enabling Lawlessness
Farotimi’s remarks are in line with his broader, long-standing criticisms of Nigeria’s legal system. In his 2025 book on the state of justice in Nigeria, he wrote that the judiciary has become the foundation of impunity in the country. The Portable case, he argues, is just another example of how law enforcement and judicial institutions undermine constitutional rights with reckless abandon.
“Our courts have become tools in the hands of the powerful. What’s happening to Portable is not about him—it’s about what the system can do to anyone when allowed to act unchecked.”
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A Polarizing Figure in a Polarizing System
Known for his eccentric behavior and unapologetic public image, Portable continues to divide public opinion. But his legal situation now represents something bigger: a test of the rule of law in Nigeria, and whether justice can be applied fairly—regardless of who’s in the dock.
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As debates continue online, one thing is certain: Portable’s case is no longer just about music or social media antics. It’s now a legal flashpoint, and voices like Farotimi’s are forcing the nation to take a hard look at how justice is administered.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Portable saga and other trending Naija news.
