Controversial Nigerian musician Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, made a sharp turn in his earlier claims of mental instability when he appeared before Magistrate O.L. Oke at the Magistrate Court in Isabo, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Thursday. The 31-year-old singer, who had previously described himself as mentally unwell, denied these assertions in court, stating he was in good health and mentally stable.
Portable’s appearance in court comes just days after the Ogun State Police Command declared him wanted for allegedly assaulting three officials from the Ogun Planning and Development Permit Authority (OGPDPA) on Monday. The assault charges were linked to an incident involving the officials while they were carrying out their duties. In response to the police’s declaration, Portable took to social media, specifically Instagram, to explain his situation, revealing that he was under treatment for mental health issues.
“I fear government. I am a federal government liability. Then I’m a madman; I have medications that I usually take. You can confirm from Aro Hospital. I have a card that certifies me as one of their patients,” Portable said in the Instagram video. He further added, “I am from Abeokuta and they are taking care of me there. I am not a thief, I help people around me without even looking at their background.”
The police, however, were quick to dismiss his claims. Omolola Odutola, the police spokesperson, responded to Portable’s statements, emphasizing that the singer could not be at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Aro as he had suggested. Odutola stated, “Portable will come and submit himself. He cannot be in the psychiatric hospital in Aro. Everybody knows he is a wanted person. If he is in any facility, the police must be informed. He is a wanted man.”
Despite the police’s statements, Portable turned himself in less than 48 hours after being declared wanted. Appearing in court on Thursday, he was questioned by Magistrate O.L. Oke about his mental health. The magistrate asked, “Are you alright? Are you sure you are mentally sound, if not we have a lot of psychiatric homes we can send you to.”
In response to the magistrate’s query, Portable firmly replied, “I am mentally alright,” denying any claims of mental instability. The singer then proceeded to plead not guilty to the five charges brought against him, which included the assault of the three government officials.
After hearing the defendant’s plea, the magistrate granted Portable bail in the sum of N2 million, along with a surety in like sum. The case was subsequently adjourned until March 5 for hearing, leaving the public and legal observers awaiting further developments in the case.
