Nigeria - The streets of social media are buzzing, and the name on everyone’s lips is Habeeb Okikiola, aka Portable, the self-proclaimed “Zazu Zeh” king. On May 3, 2025, the controversial Nigerian singer sent shockwaves across X, alleging that First Bank of Nigeria froze his account containing a staggering 400 billion Naira (roughly $250 million USD). His claim? The money came straight from Apple Music, earned through his music career, not “yahoo yahoo” (internet fraud). But with no official confirmation and a cloud of skepticism, is this a genuine plea or just Portable’s latest headline-grabbing stunt?
Portable’s emotional outburst, shared via Instagram and amplified on X, painted a picture of a man in distress. “My money is with First Bank, over 400 billion, and they have frozen my account,” he cried out, urging Nigerians to “beg” the bank to release his funds. He referenced the recent drama involving social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM), who faced EFCC scrutiny after a bank-related issue with GTBank, hinting at his fear of a similar fate. “I don’t want them to call EFCC for me,” Portable pleaded, insisting his wealth is legit, earned through his global music streams.
Portable video asking First Bank to allow him access to his account
The figure - 400 billion Naira is jaw-dropping, even for a star like Portable, whose energetic Afrobeats and street anthems have racked up millions of streams. To put it in perspective, that’s more than the net worth of some of Nigeria’s biggest music icons combined. Fans and critics alike are scratching their heads: could Apple Music really have paid out such a colossal sum to one artist? Apple Music’s payout rates, typically $0.005 to $0.008 per stream, mean Portable would need tens of billions of streams to hit that mark, an unlikely feat, even for a viral sensation.
Portable mentioning he has 400Billion in his First Bank account
What’s more, the bank in question isn’t consistent. While Portable’s initial cry mentioned First Bank, some online chatter mistakenly pointed to Access Bank. No official statement from either bank or the EFCC has surfaced to verify the account freeze, leaving the story in murky waters. Posts on X, like those from @iNaijaNow and @9jamebo, show Nigerians are hooked, with some rallying behind Portable and others dismissing it as “clout chasing.” The timing, suspiciously close to VDM’s high-profile bank saga, has fueled speculation that Portable is riding the wave of public attention.
Portable is no stranger to controversy. From public feuds to bold claims, the singer thrives in the spotlight, often blurring the line between reality and performance. His rise from the streets of Ogun State to global fame is a testament to his hustle, but it’s also earned him a reputation for theatrics. Industry insiders suggest this could be a calculated move to stay relevant, especially as Afrobeats continues to dominate globally. “Portable knows how to keep people talking,” one Lagos-based music promoter told us anonymously. “Whether it’s true or not, he’s got Nigeria’s attention.”
As of May 4, 2025, the saga remains unresolved. First Bank has stayed silent, and Portable’s camp hasn’t provided evidence of the frozen funds. The EFCC, known for cracking down on suspicious wealth, hasn’t commented, but their history of high-profile arrests like Naira Marley’s in 2019 for alleged cybercrime looms large. If Portable’s claims are true, this could be one of Nigeria’s biggest financial disputes involving a celebrity. If not, it’s another chapter in his playbook of viral moments.
So, what’s next? Will Portable storm First Bank’s headquarters, or will this fade into the noise of Nigeria’s fast-moving gossip mill? One thing’s certain: the “Zazu” star has hooked us all, and we’re waiting for the next twist. Stay tuned, Nigeria’s music scene never sleeps.
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