Singer Portable Urges Ban on Prank Videos After Airport Clash

A well-known Nigerian musician, Habeeb Okikiola, who goes by the stage name Portable, has urged authorities to outlaw prank recordings after a heated scuffle at Port Harcourt International Airport.

The trouble unfolded on Sunday, as captured in a short online clip that has spread widely. In the footage, lasting just under a minute, the artist appears in light brown clothing while trying to face off against an unknown man surrounded by curious spectators and airport staff. Guards dressed in blue quickly step in, holding him back and guiding him towards a car in the nearby lot. The scene turns disorderly with people shoving each other, one man going without shoes and another holding what seems to be a strap or lash, as more onlookers crowd around.

The next day, Portable addressed the matter in a clip he shared on his social media account. He described the attackers as thrill-seekers who stage shocking stunts pretending to die for views online. Using a blend of English and his native Yoruba tongue, he explained: “Those folks showed up to trick me. They do these deadly hoaxes. Things nearly got as rough as gang fights. Even ten in yellow gear couldn’t handle one in blue.” He insisted the group had tarnished his reputation with their clips and placed his faith in higher powers for safety.

In his written message, he pleaded: “Authorities should halt all these tricksters and dodgy online writers. They spread false stories for a bit of attention. Why ruin someone’s good standing with your sites?”

Portable rose to fame with his catchy track “Zazu Zeh” and has often found himself in the spotlight for bold outbursts. He once faced a police manhunt over a separate matter.