Controversial Nigerian singer defends actions after viral video shows physical confrontation with taxi drivers at Port Harcourt airport
Port Harcourt, Nigeria – Nigerian singer Portable has spoken out about a viral video showing him in a physical altercation with taxi drivers at Port Harcourt International Airport, insisting he acted in self-defense after being attacked and insulted.
What Happened at the Airport
The video making rounds online shows the ‘Tony Montana’ hitmaker jumping out of a vehicle to confront people at the airport. Security personnel rushed in to restrain him before things got worse.
The clip spread fast across social media. Fans and critics are split, some backing Portable, others questioning whether a celebrity should react that way in public. Then again, this isn’t exactly new territory for the street-pop artist. He’s been at the center of drama more than once.
Portable’s Side of the Story
Taking to Instagram, Portable insisted he was only defending himself. According to him, the whole thing started while he was waiting for his official ride from the event organizers who had invited him to perform.
“I wasn’t fighting at the airport; I was attacked, and I defended myself. I’m a soldier without a barrack, a police officer without an ID card,” he said in the video.
His account? The taxi drivers got upset when he refused to use their services or hand over money. They started insulting him and pulling out their phones to record. Portable called them “old fools” who harassed him for no reason.
“When I landed in Port Harcourt, I was waiting for the official car from the show organisers who invited me when I heard some airport taxi drivers insulting me,” he explained.
The Taxi Drivers’ Alleged Harassment
Portable said the drivers labeled him stingy and demanded cash from him. What seemed to irritate him most was that they recorded him on their phones while throwing insults at him right there in the terminal.
“They said I’m stingy and that I wouldn’t give them money. They were even recording me, several old fools,” the singer said.
He then raised a bigger question: why do taxi drivers at Nigerian airports get away with hassling celebrities and travelers when there’s supposed to be security and immigration staff around? Portable called on the government to step in.
“Immigration officers and airport security take care of us, so why are the drivers the ones always disturbing and attacking us? The government should do something about it,” he said.
Fair point, maybe. But it’s worth asking whether charging at people is really the best way to handle harassment, especially when cameras are rolling.
Another Controversy for Portable
This is just the latest addition to Portable’s long list of public dust-ups since he blew up in 2021. Physical fights, social media beef, fallouts with other artists, he’s done it all.
His confrontational personality has made him one of Nigeria’s most divisive entertainers. Some fans love his raw, unfiltered energy and street credibility. Others think he goes too far too often.
And he’s not alone in dealing with airport hassles. Several Nigerian artists have complained about taxi and tricycle drivers who won’t take no for an answer, demanding money or insisting passengers use their services at terminals.
Mixed Reactions and Security Questions
Online reactions have been all over the place. Some users think Portable had every right to defend himself from harassment. Others say his aggressive response was out of line, regardless of provocation.
The incident has also put airport security protocols under the spotlight again. How exactly are taxi drivers getting access to areas where they can corner arriving passengers? That’s a question Port Harcourt International Airport management hasn’t answered yet. They haven’t released any statement about what happened.
It’s also unclear if anyone was arrested or if either side has filed formal complaints. For now, Portable appears to be moving on, he’s still scheduled for upcoming shows across Nigeria.
Whether this blows over or becomes another legal headache for the singer remains to be seen.
