Controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has reportedly gone into hiding after nine of his proteges were arraigned before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court on Thursday. The suspects were accused of assaulting officials from the Ota Zonal Planning Office of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development while on duty.
The nine individuals, identified as 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, armed violence with dangerous weapons, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
During the court proceedings, Police Prosecutor Sunday Ekong detailed the events leading to the suspects’ arrest. He stated that the alleged offences took place on Wednesday at about 10:00 am in Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu, Sango-Ota, within the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State. According to Ekong, the suspects, alongside Portable, obstructed town planners Abidemi Onabanjo, Ramon Lateef, and Akinpelumi Oyero while they were carrying out their official duties.
Ekong further alleged that the accused individuals, along with the now-absconding Portable, were armed with cutlasses and guns during the confrontation. He explained that their aggressive actions put the town planners’ lives at risk and disrupted public order in the area. “The defendants and Portable conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace with intent to kill,” he told the court.
The prosecutor cited relevant sections of the Criminal Code of Ogun State, 2006, under which the suspects were charged. These include Sections 516, 356(3), 80, 249(d), and 320, which outline offences related to felony, assault, and obstruction of lawful duties. The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Presiding Magistrate O.M. Somefun granted bail to each of the accused in the sum of N5 million, requiring sureties who are licensed bond agents registered with the Ogun State government. The case was adjourned until March 17 for further hearing. Meanwhile, police authorities have intensified efforts to track down Portable, who remains at large.
Reports suggest that the altercation was triggered by the state’s decision to seal Portable’s uncompleted building and hotel, allegedly due to unauthorized construction. The move by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development prompted a heated reaction from the singer and his associates, leading to the clash with government officials.
In response to the situation, Portable took to his Instagram page to express frustration over the sealing of his property. He accused the government of unfairly targeting his business despite his contributions to the community. “Why will they do that to my property that I am using to feed my family?” he lamented.
He also claimed that authorities had arrested over 20 individuals, including artists and customers, and confiscated vehicles, motorcycles, and mobile phones from his establishment. “They packed everybody, took more than 20 people, both artists and customers, and confiscated cars, bikes, and people’s phones. Why? Government should please look into this,” he stated.
Portable insisted that his business was more than just a bar, saying, “I am using this place to book events and shows, not just to sell drinks. I’m promoting people and helping the community. Why attack me, especially when I’ve been helping with streetlights and road repairs?” He concluded with a defiant remark: “God is greater than them.”
As investigations continue, the Ogun State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all individuals involved in the assault on government officials face justice. Authorities have urged Portable to turn himself in, warning that failure to do so could result in further legal action against him.
