An Isabo Magistrate Court in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has granted bail to controversial singer Habeeb ‘Portable’ Okikiola following his arraignment on charges of assault and obstruction of government officials.
PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the singer was arraigned after voluntarily surrendering himself at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta.
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The 30-year-old turned himself in to the Ogun State Police Command after being declared wanted for allegedly assaulting officials of the Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority (OGPDPA).
Appearing before the court on Thursday, the ‘Zazzu Zeh’ crooner faced a five-count charge.
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The charges included conspiracy, assault, obstruction, possession of cutlasses and firearms, and conduct likely to cause public harm.
The Ogun-born singer pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Following his plea, Magistrate O. L. Oke granted him bail of N2 million, with one surety in like sum.
The judge adjourned the case until March 5 for trial.
Oluwatoyin Ayodele’s counsel, who argued for his bail, assured the court that his client had shown remorse and learned his lesson.
Protégés
Portable faced charges similar to those of his nine protégés, who were arraigned before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court.
The singer’s protégés—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 arraigned and prosecuted in court.
They were charged with five counts, including felony, assault, obstruction, armed violence involving cutlasses and guns, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, and intent to kill.
All defendants pleaded not guilty.
Magistrate O.M. Somefun granted each bail of N5 million, with sureties who must be licensed bondmen registered with the state government.
She adjourned the case until 17 March for a hearing.
During the prosecution of Portable’s protégés, the police prosecutor, Sunday Ekong, informed the court that the defendants, alongside Portable, assaulted, restrained, and obstructed town planners Abidemi Onabanjo, Ramon Lateef, and Akinpelumi Oyero while they were performing their official duties at Portable’s Odogwu Bar.
Additionally, Ekong stated that the defendants and Portable were armed with dangerous weapons, including cutlasses and guns, allegedly intending to kill the officials.
He maintained that the offences contravened Sections 516, 356(3), 80, 249(d), and 320 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.
Background
Portable has had multiple issues with the police in the past. On 3 April 2023, this newspaper reported that he was arraigned before an Ogun State Magistrate Court in Ifo, Ifo Local Government Area.
READ ALSO: ‘I’m under spiritual attack, Nigerians help me’ – Portable speaks from hiding
He was arrested and prosecuted for allegedly assaulting one Osimusi Emmanuel.
He appeared before the court on a five-count charge of assault and stealing before being granted bail.
Similarly, on 16 May 2024, he was arrested and later granted bail for allegedly purchasing a N27 million G-Wagon but failing to pay the outstanding balance.
The singer reportedly bought the vehicle for N27 million, paid N13 million upfront, and promised to settle the balance later.
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