Society Gists

Controversial singer, Habeeb Okikiola, known as Portable, was arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Abeokuta for the alleged assault of government officials. On Wednesday, Portable presented himself at the Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) in Lagos after being declared wanted by the Ogun Command.

He was later transferred to the Ogun Command’s headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.

The singer faced a five-count charge at the Isabo Magistrate Court in Abeokuta. The charges included conspiracy, assault, restriction, and being armed with cutlasses and guns, as well as conduct likely to cause harm.

He pleaded not guilty to all charges. His aides, totaling nine in number, were also arraigned on similar charges before Magistrate O L Oke. The nine suspects are: 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. These defendants were charged with five counts, including felony, assault, restriction, being armed with cutlasses and guns, and conduct likely to breach the peace, with intentions to kill. They allegedly assaulted, restricted, and obstructed Abidemi Onabanjo, Ramon Lateef, and Akinpelumi Oyero, who are town planners.

The defendants and Portable are accused of assaulting the three town planning officers while they were carrying out their duties at Odogwu Bar, owned by Portable, a popular hip-hop artist. After pleading not guilty, Portable’s lawyer, Oluwatoyin Ayodele, requested that the court grant bail.

Ayodele reassured the court that the suspect “is now remorseful and has learnt his lessons.” Magistrate O L Oke granted Portable a ₦2m bail with one surety in the same amount. The case was adjourned to March 5 for trial.

Ogun State police had declared Portable wanted for allegedly attacking three state government officials while they were performing official duties at his bar in the Sango area of the state.”