Portable Rejects EFCC Invitation Over Alleged Naira Abuse at Son’s Naming Ceremony

Portable Rejects EFCC Invitation Over Alleged Naira Abuse at Son’s Naming Ceremony

Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has refused to honour an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of Naira abuse linked to his son’s naming ceremony held in May.

In a series of videos shared on his Instagram page on Tuesday, Portable confirmed that he received an official letter from the EFCC, stating that the invitation was connected to alleged spraying and mishandling of the Nigerian naira during the private ceremony.

Portable said he would not appear before the commission immediately, explaining that he had already instructed his lawyer to handle the matter on his behalf while he focuses on his family’s safety amid what he described as insecurity and hardship in the country. He added that his lawyer advised him to postpone any appearance until September, citing concerns about the current security situation, including rising cases of kidnapping and general instability.

The singer maintained that he is not evading the anti-graft agency but is acting on legal advice and prioritising safety. He also questioned the basis of the EFCC invitation, insisting that the alleged incident occurred during a private family celebration and should not attract such attention or scrutiny.

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Portable further criticised the EFCC, describing the tone of the invitation as harsh and suggesting that entertainers are being unfairly targeted in enforcement of Naira abuse laws. He alleged that other public figures have engaged in similar conduct without facing comparable treatment and called for more consistent application of the law.

He also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging intervention and claiming that he is being unfairly targeted despite his public support for the administration. He warned that any action against him could trigger public reactions, while insisting that he is not involved in fraud, money laundering, or theft.

The singer stated that the funds used during the ceremony were sourced through a bureau de change operator, adding that he is gradually repaying the money. He questioned why a private family event should attract regulatory attention from the EFCC.

The controversy stems from allegations that Portable sprayed and mishandled naira notes during his son’s naming ceremony in May, an act prohibited under Nigerian law. Under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, it is illegal to spray, tear, stamp, or mutilate the naira, with offenders liable to penalties upon conviction.

The EFCC has recently intensified enforcement of currency abuse laws, particularly at social events such as weddings, concerts, and naming ceremonies involving celebrities and public figures.

As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC has not issued an official response to Portable’s refusal to honour the invitation or his public statements.

The development adds another chapter to the singer’s history of public controversies, as he remains one of Nigeria’s most talked-about and polarizing entertainment figures.

Portable Rejects EFCC Invitation Over Alleged Naira Abuse at Son’s Naming Ceremony