Portable granted bail after court arraignment in Ogun State

Nigerian street singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has been granted bail by the Isabo Magistrate Court in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The controversial artiste was arraigned on a five-count charge, including conspiracy, assault, armed conduct, and behavior likely to cause public harm.

Despite pleading not guilty, his legal counsel, Oluwatoyin Ayodele, pleaded for bail, stating that Portable had shown remorse and learned his lesson.

Magistrate O.L. Oke granted the singer bail in the sum of N2 million with one surety in like sum. The case was adjourned to March 5 for trial.

Portable had earlier been declared wanted by the Ogun State Police Command over allegations of conspiracy, serious assault, breach of public peace, and attempted murder through the alleged recruitment of armed thugs. He later surrendered himself at the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, and was subsequently transferred to the Ogun State Police Headquarters for prosecution.

The police spokesperson, CSP Omotola Odutola, confirmed his arrest and assured the public that due process would be followed in the ongoing investigation.

The singer’s legal troubles come weeks after the Ogun State government sealed his hotel and an uncompleted building for lacking proper approval permits. Following the incident, Portable made a public appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to intervene with Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, as he lamented the treatment he received despite being a citizen of the state.

The case is set to continue in March, with further legal proceedings expected.