Singer Portable arraigned in Ogun Court, granted N5m bail

Controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has been arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Abeokuta, Ogun State, over allegations of assault on government officials.

Portable turned himself in at the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID), Lagos Command, on Wednesday after being declared wanted by the Ogun State Police Command. He was later transferred to the command’s headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.

The singer was charged with five counts, including conspiracy, assault, unlawful restriction, being armed with cutlasses and guns, and conduct likely to cause harm. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Nine of his aides—Nurudeen Warris (21), Adetola Alashe (25), Samuel Adeleke (28), Oluwaseun Ayenuwa (19), Oluwapelumi Adeosun (20), Gospel Kanu (20), Precious Ohiegebo (19), Ifeoluwa Babatunde (27), and Fatimo Muhammed (26)—were also arraigned on similar charges.

The accused allegedly assaulted three town planning officials—Abidemi Onabanjo, Ramon Lateef, and Akinpelumi Oyero—who were carrying out their lawful duties at Odogwu Bar, a property owned by Portable in Sango Ota.

Following his not-guilty plea, Portable’s lawyer, Oluwatoyin Ayodele, pleaded for bail, assuring the court that his client had learned his lesson and was remorseful.

Magistrate O. L. Oke granted the singer ₦2 million bail with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case until March 5 for trial.