Temitope Ogunsanwo, the owner of Temmy Autos, in this exclusive interview, speaks to TEMITOPE ADETUNJI on his decision to apprehend the controversial street singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, over a N14 million pending debt from his acquisition of a N27 million Mercedes Benz

There is a viral post alleging that the renowned musician Portable purchased a vehicle from you but failed to fulfil the payment terms How correct is the post?

My name is Temitope Ogunsanwo, and I am a car dealer and owner of Temmy Autos, Lagos. So, concerning the question you asked, the post is indeed accurate. He (Portable) acquired a car from me. I got acquainted with Portable through a friend. That friend brought Portable to my office because he wished to acquire a Mercedes Benz GLE 350. Following discussions about the price, he expressed a desire to commence payment in instalments. I made it clear that I do not accept instalment payments. However, my friend, representing Portable, implored me, assuring me that Portable would adhere to the agreement, and suggested that we could reach an agreement.

What was the eventual agreement?

On that very day in January 2024, Portable stated that he intended to make a payment of N12,000,000. Regrettably, he claimed to have forgotten his token at home. He requested that one of my assistants accompany him to enable him to transfer N12,000,000 and settle the remaining balance, as specified in the agreement document circulating online to which I consented based on my friends assurance.

However, upon reaching Portables location, he failed to fulfil the agreement, and my assistant returned empty-handed.

What steps did you take after that?

Upon my assistants return empty-handed, I started calling Portable. I made numerous attempts to reach Portable, but he declined to answer my calls. After one week, instead of remitting N12m, I received an alert for N1m. I was taken aback and found myself asking, What is this? Subsequently, Portable began making sporadic payments, often as low as one or two million. The largest amount Portable remitted in this transaction was N3m. Ultimately, he paid a total of N13,000,000 in instalments. The funds became inconsequential as I could not utilise them for any meaningful purpose because of the way it was paid.

Following this, he ceased making payments. I continued to call Portable, but he was not picking up my calls. On the rare occasions he did answer my calls, he resorted to cursing and verbal abuse.

I persisted in my efforts to contact him but received no response. I even reported him to his father, but no action was taken. I reported him to his lawyer, who eventually grew weary and was unable to intervene.

I lodged a complaint with Zone 2 Police, and Portable was summoned, but he refused to appear. Consequently, I proceeded to report the matter directly to the Commissioner of Police, leading to his arrest three days ago.

Could you elaborate on the specifics of the agreement you entered into with Portable?

The agreement was not dissimilar to what has been posted online. It pertained to a black Mercedes Benz GLE 350, with CHASSIS NUMBER: 4|DASHB6GA656575, priced at N27m. He pledged to make an initial payment of N12m on January 10, 2024. A second payment of N5m was due on January 24, 2024. The third payment of N5m was scheduled for February 10, 2024. The final payment of N5m was to be made on February 24, 2024. The total sum amounted to N27m.

So, how much is Portable owing you now?

He has only paid a total of N13m out of N27m, so currently, he owes me N14m. It should be noted that the N13m was paid in instalments. We agreed that the N27m payment would not exceed one month and two weeks following the initial N13m payment, but he ceased payments at that juncture.

Were you worried Portable was trying not to pay the remaining balance?

He stopped answering my calls. If I called him, he would not pick up. If he called me, he would resort to threats and insults. Prior to this, even before the commencement of the business transaction, we conversed in a civil manner. Had he been cooperative, I would not have resorted to involving the police. He stopped answering my calls. If I had the opportunity to speak with him, he would resort to insults, curses, and rudeness.

Where are you currently based?

I am based in Lagos, and my business operates here as well.

How has this situation affected your business operations?

To be honest, it has had a negative impact. Portable cannot deny the existence of our agreement. I have evidence, including videos, which I have chosen to keep private as I do not wish to share them online. Additionally, I have voice notes of him pleading with me for the car. I am not the type to resort to such actions.

How did you manage to get him arrested?

It was quite an ordeal before I was able to apprehend Portable as I could no longer tolerate the situation. Imagine a business involving £27m, and he began making payments of just one or one and a half million in instalments. The money was essentially wasted. However, I believe divine intervention is at play now, and things will improve.

Have you encountered a similar situation in the past?

No, I have not. This is the first time I have experienced such an ordeal. Even if someone who is not a celebrity approaches me to purchase a car and explains their payment plan, we would collaborate and make the process transparent, unlike this. I recall that when I contemplated entering this business, many people warned me against conducting business with Portable. However, I am compassionate, and I viewed him as a budding talent, which is why I engaged in business with him. Unfortunately, he betrayed my trust.

How do you plan to prevent such a situation from occurring in the future?

This will not deter me from assisting individuals in need of business support. However, I will be more discerning when entering into business agreements, and I will thoroughly assess the character, reputation, and associates of potential business partners.

What advice would you offer to other car dealers when dealing with high-profile clients such as celebrities?

To me, there are many upstanding celebrities out there, and the Portable issue has left me perplexed. Frankly, I am at a loss for words. However, my advice to fellow car dealers is to exercise caution and thoroughly vet the individuals they engage in business with.

Is there anyone who has supported you throughout this ordeal?

I have received numerous calls from friends, family, and customers. Some have blamed me, while others have viewed this as a learning experience. Releasing a car of N27m just like that. Portable is not my relative, he betrayed my trust. If Portables fans attempt to persuade me that my actions were unjust, they should reflect on the fact that I made significant efforts to accommodate him, releasing an N27m car without receiving any payment upfront. I am not a politician. I am a hardworking Nigerian. (Saturday PUNCH)