Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has been granted bail by the Isabo Magistrate Court in Abeokuta, Ogun State, after being arraigned on five-count charges bordering on conspiracy, assault, restriction, armed possession of cutlasses and guns, and conduct likely to cause harm.
The 30-year-old was declared wanted for allegedly assaulting officials of the Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority (OGPDPA).
He had repeatedly ignored police invitations following the arrest and arraignment of nine of his protégés before an Abeokuta Magistrate Court
He subsequently surrendered himself to the police in Lagos State on Wednesday, where he was handed over to the Ogun State Police Command and presented in court on Thursday to face charges.
The charges include conspiracy, assault and restriction, armed with cutlasses and guns, conduct likely to cause harm, of which he pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Alongside Portable, nine of his aides were also arraigned before Magistrate O.L. Oke on similar charges. The suspects include 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).
The prosecution alleged that Portable and his associates assaulted, restricted, and obstructed three town planners—Abidemi Onabanjo, Ramon Lateef, and Akinpelumi Oyero—while they were performing their lawful duties at the singer’s bar.
Following his plea, Portable’s counsel, Oluwatoyin Ayodele, pleaded for bail, arguing that the singer was now remorseful and had learned his lesson.
After hearing the submission, Magistrate O.L. Oke granted Portable bail in the sum of N2 million with one surety in like sum. The court adjourned the case till March 5, 2025, for trial.
By Ezinne Okorie.
