The legal battle involving popular Nigerian musician Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, took another turn as an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court adjourned the case to March 26, 2025. The case was adjourned to allow the prosecution to merge Portable’s charges with those of his workers, who are also facing similar legal issues.
Portable was first arraigned on February 20, 2025, but the case was back in court on March 5, 2025, when the prosecution sought to consolidate the charges against the musician with those of his employees. According to the Senior State Counsel, Timileyin Oredein, trying the cases separately would be a waste of the court’s time. He told the court that Portable’s case was closely linked to that of his workers, and it would be more efficient to merge them before the trial begins.
The charges against Portable and his workers stem from an incident in which they allegedly assaulted officials of the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development. On February 6, 2025, both Portable and nine of his workers were arraigned on multiple charges, including conspiracy, assault, unlawful obstruction while armed with cutlasses and firearms, and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.
The incident in question occurred when officials of the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development were reportedly confronted by Portable and his workers while carrying out their duties. The group allegedly used dangerous weapons such as cutlasses and guns, which led to the charges of assault and obstruction. Three ministry officials were said to have been assaulted during the encounter.
The prosecution’s request to merge the charges against Portable and his workers was backed by a desire to ensure a fair and timely trial. Oredein argued that it would be counterproductive to treat the cases separately, as they are all linked to the same incident.
After hearing the prosecution’s argument, the court agreed to adjourn the case until March 26, 2025, in order to allow the charges to be merged and substituted. The case will continue once the legal procedures are completed, with both Portable and his workers facing a range of serious charges.
This legal battle comes at a time when Portable is already facing public scrutiny. Known for his controversial personality, Portable has been at the center of various media reports in recent months. The musician, who gained popularity with his hit songs, has also been involved in several public incidents that have attracted attention.
One of the key developments in this case is the merging of the charges against Portable and his employees. This is not the first time the musician has found himself in legal trouble. Earlier in the year, Portable was involved in a public altercation with officials from the Ogun State government, which led to the assault charges.
Portable’s legal troubles have sparked discussions on social media, with many people expressing varying opinions about the musician’s conduct and the charges against him. Some have criticized him for his actions, while others have expressed support, highlighting his contributions to the music industry.
In recent months, Portable has been active on social media, where he often shares updates about his life and career. One of his most recent Instagram posts revealed the mystery behind his Instagram name, “Elizabeth Joyce,” which intrigued many of his followers. The musician has also been boasting about his success on the platform, with one of his posts reaching a record-breaking 59 million views. However, despite his online presence, Portable’s ongoing legal issues have cast a shadow over his public image.
The legal case is not just about Portable’s future, but also about the larger issue of the relationship between celebrities and the law. As a public figure, Portable’s actions and legal battles are closely followed by fans, the media, and the general public. This case serves as a reminder of the impact that celebrities can have on society and how their behavior can lead to legal consequences.
