Popular Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, widely known as Portable, has been arrested by the police following a domestic dispute involving his partner, actress and content creator Ashabi Simple, an incident that has since drawn renewed attention after a video surfaced online showing the musician in handcuffs and visibly distressed while in custody.

The arrest took place on Saturday, roughly one week after Portable reportedly evaded an earlier attempt to detain him. According to reports, Ashabi Simple and her siblings had earlier filed a complaint with the police, accusing the singer of assault during a confrontation. That initial report prompted police action, although Portable was not taken into custody at the time.

By Sunday evening, however, a new development shifted the public conversation. A video began circulating widely on social media platforms, showing Portable handcuffed and crying while alleging that he was being tortured by police officers. The footage, which has not been independently verified by authorities, quickly gained traction and reignited debates around police conduct, detainee rights, and the treatment of high-profile suspects in Nigeria.

The clash between Portable and Ashabi Simple marks the latest chapter in a relationship that has previously attracted public scrutiny. While details of the alleged assault have not been formally outlined by the police, reports indicate that tensions escalated during a domestic disagreement, leading Ashabi Simple and members of her family to seek police intervention.

Portable allegedly avoided arrest following the initial complaint, a move that attracted criticism online, with some commentators accusing law enforcement of selective enforcement. His eventual arrest on Saturday suggests that the matter remained under investigation and that police authorities were still pursuing the case.

According to sources familiar with the situation, the singer was taken into custody to answer questions relating to the assault allegation. As of the time of reporting, the police have not released an official statement detailing the specific charges against him or the status of the investigation.

Viral Video and Allegations of Police Abuse

The turning point in the case came with the release of the viral video on Sunday evening. In the footage, Portable appears handcuffed and emotional, claiming he was being physically mistreated while in detention. His distress sparked widespread reactions, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the conditions of his detention and the broader issue of police treatment of suspects.

Civil rights advocates and social media users were quick to call on the Nigeria Police Force to respect due process and uphold human rights, regardless of the suspect’s public profile. Several commentators pointed out that allegations of assault by law enforcement should be taken seriously and investigated independently.

At the same time, others cautioned against drawing conclusions based solely on a short video clip, noting that the circumstances surrounding the footage remain unclear. They argued that the focus should remain on ensuring a transparent investigation into both the original assault allegation and the claims of mistreatment in custody.

Police Conduct Under Renewed Scrutiny

The incident has once again placed the Nigeria Police Force under public scrutiny, particularly regarding the treatment of detainees. According to legal experts, Nigerian law guarantees the rights of suspects, including protection from torture and inhumane treatment, as well as access to legal representation.

In recent years, public confidence in law enforcement has been shaped by high-profile cases involving allegations of abuse. Advocacy groups say such incidents underscore the need for stronger internal accountability mechanisms and independent oversight.

A Lagos-based human rights lawyer, speaking generally on the issue, said allegations of assault in custody, whether involving celebrities or ordinary citizens, must be thoroughly investigated to maintain public trust. The lawyer noted that viral videos often shape public opinion quickly, making timely and transparent responses from authorities essential.

Public Reaction and Social Media Debate

Reactions to Portable’s arrest and the circulating video have been sharply divided. Some Nigerians sympathized with the singer, arguing that no suspect deserves physical abuse and calling for his immediate release or transfer pending investigation. Others emphasized that allegations made against him should not be overshadowed by his celebrity status.

On social media, the case has sparked broader discussions about domestic disputes, accountability, and the responsibilities of public figures. Commentators noted that while Portable’s career has thrived on controversy, the current situation carries serious legal and personal consequences.

According to social media analysts, the speed at which the video spread reflects the growing influence of digital platforms in shaping narratives around law enforcement actions in Nigeria. This dynamic, they say, often pressures authorities to respond more quickly than in the past.

What Authorities Have Said So Far

As of the time of publication, the police have not issued a detailed public statement addressing either the assault allegation made by Ashabi Simple or Portable’s claims of mistreatment in detention. There has also been no confirmation regarding whether the singer has been formally charged or granted bail.

Observers say an official response will be crucial in clarifying the facts and calming public tension. Transparency, they argue, will help determine whether the arrest followed proper procedure and whether any misconduct occurred during detention.

Beyond the individuals involved, the case highlights ongoing concerns about how domestic disputes involving public figures are handled by law enforcement. It also underscores the role of social media in amplifying allegations before official investigations are concluded.

Analysts say the incident could serve as another test case for the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to reform and accountability. How authorities handle the allegations of abuse, in particular, may influence public perception at a time when trust in institutions remains fragile.

Key developments to watch include an official police statement, potential charges against Portable, and any independent inquiry into the allegations of mistreatment. Legal experts also expect that both parties may issue formal statements or pursue legal remedies as the case unfolds.

For now, the situation remains fluid. While Portable’s arrest stems from a reported domestic dispute, the emergence of the viral video has expanded the scope of the story, raising questions that go beyond a single incident.

The arrest of singer Portable following a dispute with actress Ashabi Simple has evolved into a broader conversation about police conduct, due process, and accountability in Nigeria. As investigations continue, clarity from authorities will be essential to separate verified facts from online speculation. The outcome of the case may carry implications not only for those directly involved but also for public confidence in how the justice system handles sensitive, high-profile disputes.