Habeeb Okikiola, the controversial Nigerian singer, who is popularly known as Portable, is reportedly on the run as the Ogun State Police arraigned nine of his associates before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
The suspects are accused of assaulting officials from the Ota Zonal Planning office of the state Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
The nine suspects — 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 arraigned on charges of felony, assault, obstruction, armed violence with cutlasses and guns, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, and intent to kill.
Police Prosecutor, Sunday Ekong, told the court that the defendants committed the alleged offences on Wednesday around 10:00 am at Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu, Sango-Ota, in Ado-Odo/Ota local government area.
He stated that Portable, who remains at large, and the suspects unlawfully assaulted, restricted, and obstructed town planners Abidemi Onabanjo, Ramon Lateef, and Akinpelumi Oyero at Odogwu Bar, Portable’s business premises.
Ekong alleged that the defendants and Portable were armed with dangerous weapons and conducted themselves in a way that could breach public peace, with the intent to kill the planning officers.
The charges violate sections 516, 356(3), 80, 249(d), and 320 of the Criminal Code laws of Ogun State, 2006.
Magistrate O.M. Somefun granted bail to the defendants at N5 million each, with sureties who are licensed bond agents registered with the Ogun State government. The case was adjourned to 17 March.
The incident reportedly followed the sealing of Portable’s uncompleted building and hotel by the State Town Planning Office for illegal development without proper permits.
On Instagram, Portable had expressed frustration over the authorities’ actions, claiming they had confiscated over 20 artists, customers, cars, bikes, and phones.
He questioned, “Why will they do that to my property that I am using to feed my family?”
He continued, “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. 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?”
Concluding his statement, Portable declared, “God is greater than them.”
