Popular Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, better known as Portable, has been granted bail by an Abeokuta magistrate court after being arraigned on charges of assault and obstruction of government officials. The controversial artist, who had earlier surrendered himself to the Lagos State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID), was transferred to the Ogun State Police Headquarters before being presented in court on Thursday.
The charges against Portable and his nine aides stem from an alleged incident on February 5, 2025, when the singer and his associates reportedly attacked three town planners who were carrying out their official duties at Portable’s Odogwu Bar in Sango, Ogun State. The singer and his team were accused of obstructing the town planners and assaulting them while they were performing their official duties.
Portable, who has often been in the media spotlight due to his controversial behaviour, faced a five-count charge at the Isabo Magistrate Court. The charges included conspiracy, assault, obstruction, being armed with cutlasses and guns, and conduct likely to cause harm. Despite the serious nature of the charges, Portable pleaded not guilty to all allegations during his court appearance.
Oluwatoyin Ayodele, Portable’s legal counsel, appealed to the court for bail, assuring the magistrate that the singer was “remorseful” and had learned his lesson from the incident. His lawyer highlighted that Portable’s actions were not premeditated and that he regretted the altercation that took place.
Magistrate O. L. Oke, after considering the arguments, granted Portable bail in the sum of N2 million, with one surety in like sum. The case was adjourned to March 5, 2025, for trial.
The incident leading to Portable’s arrest occurred when the singer and his aides allegedly attacked the three town planners—Abidemi Onabanjo, Ramon Lateef, and Akinpelumi Oyero—who were at the Odogwu Bar to carry out their official duties. The town planners were reportedly on-site to assess the bar for its compliance with town planning regulations when the incident unfolded.
The Ogun State Police Command had initially declared Portable wanted, but he eventually surrendered himself to the authorities. He was transferred from the Lagos State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) to the Ogun State Police Headquarters, where he was formally charged in court.
Following his arrest, a number of Portable’s aides were also arraigned before the court on similar charges. The accused individuals, including 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 charged with felony, assault, obstruction, and conduct likely to breach public peace.
The Ogun State Government, which has been following the case closely, condemned Portable’s alleged actions, describing him as a “serial dissident and unrepentant rascal.” The government further stressed that such behaviour would not be tolerated, especially when it involved attacks on government officials who were simply doing their jobs.
The altercation at Odogwu Bar, which is owned by Portable, reportedly took place on February 5, 2025. According to witnesses, the town planners had gone to the bar to inspect the premises as part of their duties to enforce town planning regulations in the Sango area. However, what was meant to be a routine inspection quickly turned violent when Portable and his aides allegedly began to obstruct the officials.
The situation escalated further when the singer and his team reportedly attacked the town planners, using cutlasses and guns to intimidate and assault them. The assault left the officials injured and unable to continue their duties. Following the incident, the Ogun State Police began an investigation, and Portable was eventually arrested and charged.
Portable has been no stranger to controversy since rising to fame in the Nigerian music industry. Known for his outspoken personality and penchant for getting involved in public disputes, the singer’s career has often been overshadowed by his run-ins with the law. In the past, Portable has been involved in several public altercations and controversies, often drawing the ire of the public and the authorities.
The singer’s actions have also drawn widespread criticism, with many questioning whether he should be held accountable for his behaviour. His decision to turn himself in after being declared wanted by the Ogun State Police suggests that he may be taking the matter more seriously, though the outcome of the trial remains to be seen.
The case has sparked a heated debate in Nigeria, with many people expressing strong opinions about Portable’s actions. Some supporters of the singer argue that his behaviour was provoked and that the town planners should have followed proper procedures, while others feel that Portable’s actions were unjustifiable and that he should face the full consequences of the law.
One social media user LeeSmart, wrote “Dem for leave that guy make him taste watery beans small now”
Lanre1st “Ogun state government will only make him relevant”
“Portable has gone too far this time. No one should be above the law, regardless of their status or fame. He needs to face the consequences of his actions to serve as a lesson to others.”
