Controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has been granted bail by the Isabo Magistrate Court in Abeokuta after facing charges of assault and obstruction of government officials. Portable, whose provocative public behavior has often sparked debates, was arraigned on Thursday, February 20, 2025, on a five-count charge, including conspiracy, assault, obstruction, being armed with cutlasses and firearms, and conduct likely to cause harm.
The singer, who had been declared wanted by the Ogun State Command, turned himself in to the Lagos State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) on Wednesday. After his surrender, Portable was transferred to the Ogun State Police Headquarters in Eleweran, where he was presented in court the following day.
During the court proceedings, Portable pleaded not guilty to all the charges brought against him. His legal counsel, Oluwatoyin Ayodele, made a passionate appeal for bail, assuring the court that Portable had “learned his lesson” and was now “remorseful” for his actions. Ayodele stated, “He is a man who has learned from his mistakes and is willing to make amends.”
The presiding Magistrate, O. L. Oke, granted Portable bail in the sum of N2 million with one surety in like sum. The case was adjourned to March 5 for trial. The bail decision came with an acknowledgment of the severity of the charges but also a recognition of the singer’s cooperation with authorities.
Alongside Portable, nine of his aides were also arraigned in court on similar charges. The group, which included individuals ranging in age from 19 to 28, faced allegations of felony, assault, obstruction, and conduct likely to breach public peace. The accused individuals 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).
The charges stem from a violent incident that occurred on February 5, 2025, at Portable’s Odogwu Bar in the Sango area of Ogun State. According to reports, Portable and his associates allegedly attacked three town planners—Abidemi Onabanjo, Ramon Lateef, and Akinpelumi Oyero—who were carrying out official duties at the establishment. The town planners were reportedly assaulted while they attempted to perform their work, which led to their injuries.
The Ogun State Government has strongly condemned the actions of Portable and his associates. A government spokesperson described the singer as a “serial dissident and unrepentant rascal,” emphasizing that such behavior would not be tolerated in the state. The government’s firm stance underscores the seriousness of the charges and the commitment to ensuring that individuals who engage in violent and disruptive actions are held accountable.
The attack on the town planners has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for stronger measures against public figures who use their status to intimidate or assault others. The authorities have vowed to ensure that justice is served in this case, and the trial is expected to be closely monitored by both the media and the public.
Portable’s legal team has also maintained that the singer did not initiate the violence but was caught up in a chaotic situation. “There is more to this incident than meets the eye, and we are confident that the truth will come out during the trial,” said Oluwatoyin Ayodele in a statement.
