Hip-hop artiste, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, was arraigned before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court in Isabo on Thursday for allegedly assaulting officials of the Ogun Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
The Magistrate, O.L. Oke granted the singer bail in the sum of N2 million, with one surety who must be a licensed bondsman registered with the Ogun State government.
Portable, 31, pleaded not guilty to the five-count charge of conspiracy, assault, unlawful obstruction, possession of weapons, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
Senior State Counsel Timileyin Oredein told the court that the musician and his workers attacked officials from the ministry’s Ota Zonal Planning Office on February 5 at Odogwu Bar in Tigbo Ilu, Sango-Ota. The officials—Abidemi Onabanjo, Ramon Lateef, and Akinpelumi Oyero—were allegedly assaulted while on lawful duty.
Oredein said Portable and his associates, armed with cutlasses and guns, inflicted injuries on the town planners and disrupted public order. The offences violate Sections 516, 356(3), 80, 249(d), and 197 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun, 2006.
Defense counsel Oluwatoyin Omomehin requested bail on liberal terms, which the court granted with a stern warning. The magistrate ordered Portable to refrain from making social media comments or causing trouble related to the case, warning that any violation would lead to bail revocation.
The case was adjourned to March 5 for hearing.
NAN
