Portable acquired a Mercedes Benz GLE 350 without full payment – Car dealer
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| Portable |
In an exclusive interview, Temitope Ogunsanwo, proprietor of Temmy Autos, discusses with TEMITOPE ADETUNJI his decision to detain the controversial musician, Habeeb Okikiola, known as Portable, over an outstanding N14 million debt from his purchase of a N27 million Mercedes Benz.
A viral post claims that the famous artist Portable bought a car from you but didn't complete the payment. Is this true?
I'm Temitope Ogunsanwo, a car dealer and the owner of Temmy Autos in Lagos. Regarding your question, the post is correct. Portable got a car from me. I met Portable through a mutual friend who brought him to my office to buy a Mercedes Benz GLE 350. After discussing the price, he wanted to pay in installments, which I usually don't accept. But my friend vouched for Portable, convincing me to consider an agreement.
Can you detail the final agreement?
On that day in January 2024, Portable agreed to pay N12,000,000 but said he forgot his token at home. He asked my assistant to go with him to transfer N12,000,000 and pay the rest later, as per the online agreement, which I accepted based on my friend's promise.
But at Portable's place, he didn't keep the agreement, and my assistant came back without the money.
What did you do next?
When my assistant came back without the money, I tried contacting Portable many times, but he wouldn't answer. A week later, instead of N12m, I got N1m. Then Portable made random payments, sometimes just one or two million. The most he paid at once was N3m. In total, he paid N13,000,000 in installments, which wasn't helpful because of the payment method.
After that, he stopped paying. He wouldn't answer my calls, and when he did, he was abusive.
I kept trying to reach him, reported him to his father and lawyer, but nothing changed. I filed a complaint with Zone 2 Police, and when Portable didn't show up, I reported to the Commissioner of Police, leading to his arrest three days ago.
What were the specifics of your agreement with Portable?
The agreement, similar to what's online, was for a black Mercedes Benz GLE 350, CHASSIS NUMBER: 4|DASHB6GA656575, costing N27m. He was to pay N12m initially on January 10, 2024, then N5m on January 24, N5m on February 10, and the last N5m on February 24, totaling N27m.
How much does Portable owe you now?
He's paid N13m out of N27m, so he owes me N14m. The N13m was in installments, and we agreed the full N27m would be paid within one month and two weeks after the first payment, but he stopped paying then.
Did you worry Portable wouldn't pay the rest?
He stopped taking my calls. If he did call, he was threatening and rude. Before the deal, we talked nicely. If he had cooperated, I wouldn't have involved the police.
Where are you based?
I'm in Lagos, where my business is also located.
How has this affected your business?
It's been negative. Portable can't deny our agreement. I have evidence, including videos and voice notes, which I won't share online. I'm not one to do that.
How did you get him arrested?
It was tough, but I had to act. Imagine a £27m deal, and he pays in small installments. I believe things will get better now.
Have you had a similar experience before?
No, this is the first time. I usually work transparently with buyers, even non-celebrities. Many warned me about doing business with Portable, but I saw potential in him. Sadly, he broke my trust.
How will you prevent this in the future?
I'll still help those in need, but I'll be more careful in business, assessing the character and reputation of partners.
Any advice for car dealers dealing with celebrities?
Be cautious and vet them well. There are good celebrities, but Portable's case is confusing.
Who supported you through this?
Friends, family, and customers called. Some blamed me, others saw it as a lesson. I released a N27m car without upfront payment, trusting Portable, who isn't even a relative. If his fans think I'm wrong, they should remember I tried to accommodate him. I'm just a hardworking Nigerian.
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