Portable that I raised never drank or smoked – Sister, Aminat - Newstrends
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Portable that I raised never drank or smoked – Sister, Aminat

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Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as 'Portable'

To many, his was sudden stardom. Before December 2021, probably, no-one, except those who knew him, knew him. However, in the short time since he released his hit song, ZaZoo Zeh, in which he collaborated with top singer, Olamide and dancer Poco Lee, controversial hip-hop singer, Mr Portable (real name Habeed Okikiola), has been in everyone’s eyes. Thanks majorly to his unique blonde hairstyle, his funny dances, funny, often lewd lyrics, brazen acts and slipshod talks.

A lot of his popularity will also go to the power of the internet, which has undoubtedly made everything he says or does, however controversial, go viral. Immediate examples would be his trip to Kenya, where he released some bedroom videos with some pretty girls. On another occasion, he referred to a female Kenyan fan as ‘hook-up,’ angering several Kenyan fans, including a radio personality, Black Cinderella, who called him out and demanded an apology.

A bit later into the year, he was also quoted as querying the NDLEA, the nation’s agency against illicit drug use and drug trafficking after the agency had invaded the homes of artistes, Zinolensky and MohBad and arrested them over use of drugs. In a video that went viral, he was seen asking: “Can we not smoke weed in our own house again? Are you the ones that built our house or bought land for us? What is it?” As if laws of the nation exempt the ones committed in ones homes. That rant drew a lot of ire and pity from members of the public, who warned him not to over-reach himself in his ignorance.

Overtime, he has also been seen throwing money in the air for people to pick. While many consider it as his way of appreciating the condition of poor masses, of whom he was one until very recently, many see it as public nuisance. He has further stepped up that act following his N50million endorsement deal for Obi Cubana’s Odogwu Bitters.

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Over a month ago, videos of him the United Kingdom, The United Arab Emirates and Turkey also surfaced on the internet. Not one to miss out on an opportunity to troll, he was seen taunting his former promoter, Kogbagidi, over his refusal to facilitate his trip to the UK, saying he had finally landed in the London he saw as a big deal.

Days after, another video went viral, where he was asking his team at the airport if he could smoke weed in the Islamic Republic, saying he smoked in London.

Not one to shy away from controversy for long, he tweeted shortly after, where he asked fans to give him just two years and he’d be bigger than Wiz-Kid, a more illustrious hip-hop singer. This was the same artiste he cited as his inspiration in the music world less than six months before.

In perhaps his most controversial rant, Portable threatened to kill co-nominees in the two categories – Best Street Hip-Hop Artiste and Rookie of the Year, he was nominated for this year’s edition of the Headies Award. The shirtless artiste was seen announcing his nomination and saying in Yoruba, “All those awards, I own them. Whoever is given the awards apart from me, I’ll ask them to kill the person…” Not a few was outraged by that rant, including organisers of the award , who promptly reported him to the Police. The singer promptly retracted the statement.

Why we’re excited over his breakthrough – Family

According to Portable’s sister Aminat Okikiola, a petty trader, who runs a groceries store in Oke-Osa area of Iyana Ilogbo, Ado-odo/Otta Local Government Area of Ogun State, where the singer grew up, Habeeb (Portable) started showing traits of his singing talents right from childhood, before their mother died and she took up his upbringing.

“He started showing his talent for singing from childhood before our mother passed. Right after our mother’s death, he intensified the habit, to the extent that if I sent him on any errand, he would sing throughout the trip. If I gave him a chore, he would sing throughout the chore. I thought it was a joke, like a passing phase. If he was sitting down, he was singing. At a point, I started wondering ‘what kind of thing is this?’ Eventually, I enrolled him with a tailor to learn tailoring. The plan was for him to learn that trade and have a means of livelihood. Funny enough, he learnt sewing, knew the job well and was able to sew well. But he did not ditch his passion, as he kept singing.”

About his schooling, Aminat said, “Of course he went to school. He attended Iganmode Secondary School in Ota. Primary school was in Iyana-Iba area in Lagos. There was a time he went to stay with our uncle in Obasanjo area of Ota. I can’t remember the school he attended while he was with him. It was after that he went to Iganmode Secondary School. Then my mum had died. I was twenty when mum died. I am ten years older. I took him in and brought him up. So I am like a mother to him.”

What about their dad? There is a story that their father was nowhere to be found during the boy’s growing days, but has suddenly showed up, enjoying the fruits of the his success, to the extent that he even bought him a car?

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“That’s not true” she said flatly.

“People like to tell stories they know nothing about. My father played his own part in Habeeb’s growing up, even though the family was separated. There was a time I even took him to stay with my father in Abuja when he started this singing thing. He lived with him in Abuja for about seven years but he was still pursuing his singing career. When he saw that it was his passion, he left him to horn it until fortune smiled on him. So let nobody tell you that my dad did not play his part in his growing up. Of course, married couples separate, but they can still impact one another positively, if they know their responsibilities and duties. Later our father returned to Lagos and he kept being active and supportive in our affairs, particularly Habeeb’s. If I called him that I was having any challenge with Habeeb, he would respond. There were times even came over to see to certain matters. Now he stays in Lagos and he is able to see us more regularly.”

Could that be the reason Portable bought him a car? Recall that one of the first things the maverick musician did when he hit limelight was to buy his dad a car.

“Yes of course. Why not? If my mum were to be alive, he would have bought her a car too. I am also praying that God continues to bless him, so that he can buy a car for me too, because I played a great part in his growing up. I suffered bringing him up. It was just the two of us, before dad came into the picture.”

Even now, Aminat, who runs a provision store in front of her house, said, she is already feeling the impact of Portable’s success. “He is supporting me financially, I cannot deny that. He supports my business as well.”

Portable’s little home

This reporter also chose the moment to ask Aminat about a little bungalow under construction a few meters from her own home.

Earlier in the day, when this reporter landed the Oke-Osa neighbourhood, a sleepy community in Iyana Ilogbo near Sango-Ota, where Portable was brought up, most people spoken to kept directing him to a little bungalow under construction, a few meters from  Aminat’s house. Then of course, the musician’s only direct relative, Aminat, was said to be away at the market.

“Yes, it’s his house. He is building it for himself.”

Notably, she revealed that it was their dad who was supervising the construction of Portable’s new home.

“That should underline the level of rapport and trust between father and son”, she said.

Asked how she feels about her brother’s sudden success, Aminat’s eyes brightened. “I am happy for him because he suffered. He suffered a lot and I can tell you this be cause I am a living witness. On several occasions, when he seemed down, I would encourage him. And then he would tell me, ‘Sister, don’t worry, I will make it.’ During those moments, he would also say to me, ‘One thing I will tell you is that I will never take what does not belong to me. I will not steal or engage in any shameful act that will bring disgrace to you. But this blow, I must blow.’ And I have said amen to his prayer.

“He has been singing for at least seven years. In truth, some of his songs are very deep. It just happens that it was this Zazoo song that brought him to limelight. Sometimes he would sing some songs and you will be wondering if such song was coming from this little boy. And I would be praying for him to meet somebody who would sign him, because I saw his potentials.”

Asked to speak on the viral video that had her brother paraded naked for allegedly stealing a tricycle popularly called ‘Marwa’, Aminat said, “No, he actually did not steal. That incident actually happened a long time ago, long before he broke into limelight. He had a disagreement with his then promoter, Ija Omode Yusuf, which was settled in no time. It was the boys of Ija Omode, who is a strong transport union leader, who falsely accused him of stealing and stripped him naked to embarrass him. But when Ija Omode heard of it, he was very upset and even came here to apologise and beg him.”

Aminat also vouched for Portable’s cool-headedness as a growing child, leaving one to wonder where the weird lifestyle, marijuana smoking and careless talks came from.

“In truth, he has always been a tough boy. However, he never stole. Throughout his growing up, nobody ever reported to me that ‘hey, your brother stole this or that. But of course, he has always been full of songs, pranks and all sorts of jokes and funny slangs. Sometimes, he would gather kids and start playing pranks and all sorts of slangs with them. Sometimes he even picks on me too.”

About his hemp smoking habit, she said, “Funny enough, I cannot tell when he develop this love for marijuana. The Habeeb, the Portable that I know and brought up never smoked hemp. In fact, he didn’t smoke cigarette or drink alcohol. So I am surprised at the development. Even now, I could almost swear that he does not smoke or drink. I guess it comes with the profession and stardom.”

Does she subscribe to the general belief that marijuana gives artistes inspiration?

Aminat laughed heartily and said, “I don’t know. I have never smoked marijuana, so I cannot tell.”

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“Don’t Let Me Die”: Veteran Nollywood Actress Ngozi Nwosu Begs for ₦30m Surgery Fund

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"Don't Let Me Die": Veteran Nollywood Actress Ngozi Nwosu Begs for ₦30m Surgery Fund
Veteran Nollywood actress Ngozi Nwosu

“Don’t Let Me Die”: Veteran Nollywood Actress Ngozi Nwosu Begs for ₦30m Surgery Fund

Veteran Nollywood actress Ngozi Nwosu has made a heartfelt public appeal for financial assistance, revealing that she has been hospitalised for three weeks and urgently requires ₦30 million for three life-saving surgeries.

The 62-year-old screen icon, best known for her memorable role as “Peaceful Peace” in the popular television sitcom Fuji House of Commotion, shared an emotional video from her hospital bed on her Instagram page on Thursday, July 23, 2026. In the video, a visibly pained Nwosu explained her prolonged absence from the public eye and pleaded with fans, friends, family, and colleagues not to abandon her during this critical period. Speaking from her hospital bed, Nwosu described her deteriorating health condition and the intense pain she has been enduring. She disclosed that her situation had escalated beyond what she and her family could handle, prompting her to seek public support. “My people, my fans and my family, I know that you’ve not seen me in circulation for some time. I’ve been hospitalised now for three weeks. Please, the thing has gone beyond my control. I need your help, don’t let me die,” she pleaded. The actress, who has been a familiar face in Nollywood for decades, acknowledged the difficulty of making such a public appeal but explained that her condition left her with no other option. “I know that you people never forsake me and I know that God will always see me through, but I’m begging you, my friends and family, don’t let me die because I am going through a lot, as in pain,” she added.

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While Nwosu did not disclose the specific nature of her illness, she revealed that doctors have recommended three surgical procedures, with the total cost estimated at ₦30 million. She directed anyone willing to assist her to contact her management or legal representative for further details. In a written caption accompanying her video, Nwosu urged her followers to share her appeal widely and not to scroll past the post. “My fans, friends, family and colleagues, this was really hard for me to do, but I can’t keep quiet anymore. I need urgent life-saving surgeries. Please don’t scroll past. Share this post and support if you can,” she wrote. She concluded her appeal with a prayer for her supporters: “God bless you and may you and yours never experience this affliction.”

This is not the first time the veteran actress has faced a serious health crisis. In 2012, she battled a highly publicized kidney-related illness that temporarily halted her acting career. At that time, she received support from government entities and non-profit organizations, enabling her to travel to the United Kingdom for treatment. In 2013, Premium Times reported that Nwosu received a ₦4.5 million lifeline from the Lagos State Government, while good-spirited individuals donated ₦2.5 million to complete the ₦6 million she needed for her UK procedure. Now, 13 years later, she is once again calling on Nigerians to help save her life.

Nwosu began her acting career on stage, training at the Royal Theatre Art Club School before transitioning to television and film. She gained early recognition through the television series Ripples, where she played the character Madam V-Boot. Her appearance in the 1992 classic film Living in Bondage also placed her among the familiar faces of Nollywood’s home-video era. However, she is perhaps best remembered for her role as Peace, one of Chief Fuji’s wives, in Amaka Igwe’s beloved sitcom Fuji House of Commotion. Over the years, she has remained a prominent screen presence, with credits including Skinny Girl in TransitIsokenLight in the Dark, and Crazy Grannies.

Since her appeal went viral, reactions have poured in from fans, colleagues, and members of the entertainment industry, many of whom have expressed sympathy and called for urgent support to help her raise the ₦30 million needed for her surgeries. Fellow celebrities and fans flooded her comment section with prayers and messages of encouragement. The situation has also drawn renewed attention to the challenges faced by veteran Nollywood actors, particularly regarding healthcare access and financial security in their later years.

“Don’t Let Me Die”: Veteran Nollywood Actress Ngozi Nwosu Begs for ₦30m Surgery Fund

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2Baba, Annie Idibia Both Deny Rekindling Romance as Viral Dance Video Sparks False Reunion Hopes

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2Baba, Annie Idibia Both Deny Rekindling Romance as Viral Dance Video Sparks False Reunion Hopes
Innocent Idibia popularly known as 2Baba (and formerly Tuface) and ex-wife Annie Idibia

2Baba, Annie Idibia Both Deny Rekindling Romance as Viral Dance Video Sparks False Reunion Hopes

Lagos, Nigeria – Nigerian music legend Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba (and formerly Tuface), has firmly dismissed widespread speculation that he and his ex-wife, Annie Idibia, have rekindled their romantic relationship. The rumors erupted over the weekend after an old video of the former couple dancing affectionately together resurfaced online and quickly went viral across social media platforms, igniting hopes of a fairytale reconciliation among their millions of fans.

The resurfaced clip shows 2Baba dressed in a stylish outfit complete with a fedora hat, while Annie sports a fashionable crop top. The pair are seen dancing intimately to 2Baba’s classic hit song “Amaka,” with the singer holding Annie close as they swayed and smiled at each other. The warm, affectionate nature of the footage led many fans, bloggers, and entertainment commentators to conclude that the estranged couple had reconciled and possibly rekindled their romance after their highly publicized separation in early 2025.

However, 2Baba was quick to pour cold water on the rumors. Taking to his official Instagram page (@official2baba) on Monday, the legendary artiste posted a clarification that left little room for interpretation. “Abeg nah old video o,” he wrote, adding several laughing emojis to underscore his point. The brief but direct response effectively confirmed that the footage was not recent and should not be interpreted as a sign of a renewed relationship. His casual, almost amused tone suggested that he found the speculation more entertaining than concerning.

His statement came just hours after Annie Idibia had also addressed the speculation on her Instagram Stories. The mother of two wrote: “Old videos circulating everywhere, false news everywhere!!!” She added a sharp cautionary note directed at her followers: “Believe everything u see on SM at your expense! Wishing everyone a great, fruitful week ahead.” Her tone suggested mild frustration with the constant scrutiny of her personal life, while also making it clear that the video did not represent any current reality. By using the abbreviation “SM” for social media, she subtly reminded her audience that not everything they encounter online is truthful or current.

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To fully understand why the video generated such intense reactions, one must revisit the couple’s highly publicized and often turbulent marital history. 2Baba and Annie Idibia’s relationship has been one of the most talked-about celebrity unions in Nigeria, spanning over a decade and producing two daughters, Isabella and Olivia. Their love story, which included a lavish fairytale wedding in 2013, was often celebrated as a testament to enduring love and second chances—especially given that 2Baba had children with other women prior to their marriage, including singer Pero Adeniyi and Sumbo Ajala-Adeoye.

However, the relationship was also fraught with public drama, infidelity allegations, and emotional turmoil, much of which played out on social media and reality television, including the popular Netflix reality show “Young, Famous & African.” In January 2025, 2Baba shocked fans when he took to his social media pages to announce the end of his marriage to Annie. He confirmed that they had separated and were living apart, though he did not go into specific details about the reasons for the split. The announcement sent shockwaves through the Nigerian entertainment industry, with many fans expressing heartbreak over the collapse of a union they had rooted for over the years.

In the months that followed, Annie Idibia began to carve out a new identity for herself. She publicly stated that she does not consider herself a “single mum” but rather “a woman with kids,” emphasizing that her identity extends far beyond her marital status. She has since focused on motherhood, her beauty and lifestyle ventures, and personal growth, often sharing inspirational posts about resilience, self-love, and healing on her social media platforms. She has also been open about her journey toward emotional independence, earning admiration from many women who see her as a symbol of strength and reinvention.

The resurfacing of the video triggered a flood of reactions across InstagramX (formerly Twitter)TikTok, and Facebook, with fans divided into three main camps. The first group, the hopeful romantics, expressed excitement at the possibility of a reunion, with comments like “They are meant to be together” and “Love always finds its way back.” Some even urged the couple to give their marriage another chance for the sake of their children. The second group, the skeptics, quickly pointed out that the video appeared dated, noting 2Baba’s outfit and Annie’s hairstyle as giveaways, and criticized bloggers for sensationalizing old content to drive engagement. The third group, the concerned fans, expressed hope that both parties would find peace, whether together or apart, and urged the public to respect the couple’s privacy and allow them to heal individually without external pressure.

Notable celebrities and influencers also weighed in on the unfolding drama. Media personality Toke Makinwa, known for her outspoken views on relationships and women’s empowerment, posted a cryptic message on her Instagram Story that read: “People will believe what they want to believe. The truth is often boring.” Meanwhile, singer Rema simply shared the video with a laughing emoji, avoiding any direct commentary but subtly acknowledging the absurdity of the situation. Other entertainment figures, including Ubi Franklin and Doreen Morakinyo, also chimed in with their own takes, further fueling the online conversation.

A quick forensic look at the video reveals several clues that align with 2Baba and Annie’s earlier years together. The outfit choices—2Baba’s fedora hat and Annie’s crop top style—were popular in the mid-2010s, around the time “Amaka” was heavily promoted. The video quality appears to have been shot on older smartphone or camera equipment, lacking the high-definition clarity common in recent celebrity content. Additionally, the setting and lighting suggest it was filmed during a private celebration or photoshoot, possibly around 2016 to 2018, well before their separation. These contextual details further confirm that the footage is a nostalgic throwback rather than a reflection of their current relationship status.

Neither 2Baba nor Annie has indicated any intention of reconciling. In fact, both have moved on in their respective lives—2Baba continues to focus on his music career, philanthropy, and business ventures, including his role as a brand ambassador and his work with the 2Baba Foundation. Annie, on the other hand, is building her brand as a wellness advocate, entrepreneur, and mother, often sharing glimpses of her new life on her YouTube channel and Instagram page.

As of now, there is no official confirmation from either party about a reunion. Their mutual dismissal of the video suggests that they are committed to their separate paths. However, sources close to the family have reportedly told Pulse Nigeria that the two maintain a cordial co-parenting relationship for the sake of their children, which is likely why old footage of them together continues to generate interest and spark false hope among fans.

The couple’s legal status remains unclear—neither has filed for divorce publicly, though their separation announcement in 2025 was definitive. Whether they will eventually finalize a divorce or quietly reconcile remains a matter of pure speculation. For now, both appear focused on their individual growth and responsibilities.

The viral video of 2Baba and Annie Idibia dancing together is ultimately a nostalgic throwback, not a sign of reconciliation. Both have made it clear through their social media posts that the footage is old and should not be misconstrued. While fans may continue to root for a reunion, the couple’s statements suggest that they are focused on their individual journeys. For now, the public would do well to respect their boundaries and allow them the space to live their lives—whether together or apart—without constant speculation and media intrusion.

2Baba, Annie Idibia Both Deny Rekindling Romance as Viral Dance Video Sparks False Reunion Hopes

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‘I didn’t eat or bathe for four days,’ Peller says after police detention

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Nigerian content creator and social media star Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller
Popular Nigerian TikTok content creator Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller

‘I didn’t eat or bathe for four days,’ Peller says after police detention

Popular Nigerian TikTok content creator Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, has opened up about his experience in police custody, alleging that he spent nearly four days in detention without food or access to a bath following his arrest by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command.

The social media influencer made the claims in a series of posts shared on his Snapchat account shortly after regaining his freedom, describing the experience as the most difficult ordeal of his life.

According to Peller, the conditions in detention left him physically exhausted and emotionally shaken, adding that he had never experienced anything similar before.

“I am ugly now. I can’t show my face yet. Omo, I sleep cell for almost four days. It has never happened to me before in my life,” he wrote.

Peller and his associate, Bello Oladipo, were arrested on July 2, 2026, along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road in the Lekki area of Lagos after police officers intercepted their vehicle, which allegedly had no registration number plate.

The encounter reportedly escalated when Peller began recording the interaction with his mobile phone. He later alleged that one of the officers pulled his shirt and pointed a gun at him during the incident.

However, the Lagos State Police Command disputed the allegation, insisting that the duo obstructed officers who were carrying out their lawful duties during a routine operation.

The command subsequently charged Peller and Oladipo before a Lagos Magistrate Court on July 7 on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy to resist public officers, obstructing police officers in the discharge of their lawful duties, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace by allegedly threatening and filming police officers during the operation.

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Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following their arraignment, the court granted each defendant ₦500,000 bail with two sureties. The magistrate directed that one of the sureties must be a blood relative, while both sureties are required to present tax clearance certificates covering the previous two years. The case was adjourned until August 11, 2026, for further hearing.

Reflecting on his days in detention, Peller claimed he neither ate nor bathed throughout the period, saying fellow inmates jokingly referred to him as their “001” shortly after he was brought into the cell.

“As dey put me for cell, people wey dey cell talk say, ‘You be our 001 now.’ Omo, I burst laugh once. I no follow anybody talk till I comot.

“001 wey una wan give water beans.

“I no chop for four good days. I no bath,” he wrote.

His account has sparked widespread reactions across social media, with many users expressing sympathy over his alleged experience, while others urged that the legal process be allowed to run its course.

The incident has also reignited public debate about police-citizen encounters, the treatment of suspects in detention, and the growing role of smartphones and social media in documenting interactions between law enforcement officers and members of the public.

As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Police Command had not publicly responded to Peller’s latest allegations regarding the conditions of his detention. His claims remain personal allegations that have not been independently verified, while the criminal charges against him and his co-defendant are still before the court.

The case is expected to resume on August 11, when the court will continue hearing the charges against the two defendants.

‘I didn’t eat or bathe for four days,’ Peller says after police detention

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