CITIZENS COMPASS–An Magistrate court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, Ogun State, has granted bail to the controversial singer, Habeeb Okikiola popularly known as Portable following his arraignment on charges of assault and obstruction of government officials.
Recall that the singer voluntarily surrendered himself to Ogun State Police Command which declared him wanted on Tuesday.
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.
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.
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.
