Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, better known as Portable, is reportedly on the run as Police in Ogun State arraigned nine of his proteges before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
The defendants were accused of assaulting officials from the Ota Zonal Planning office of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
The nine suspects, 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 arraigned on a five-count charge of felony, assault, obstruction, armed violence with cutlasses and guns, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, and intent to kill.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Police Prosecutor, Sunday Ekong, told the court that the defendants committed the alleged offences on Wednesday at about 10:00 am at Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu, Sango-Ota, in the Ado-Odo/Ota local government area of Ogun State.
Ekong explained that the suspects, along with Portable, who is currently at large, unlawfully assaulted, restricted, and obstructed town planners Abidemi Onabanjo, Ramon Lateef, and Akinpelumi Oyero while they were performing their lawful duties at Odogwu Bar, a business owned by Portable.
The prosecutor added that the defendants and Portable were armed with dangerous weapons and conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of public peace, with the intent to kill the town planning officers.
The charges violated sections 516, 356(3), 80, 249(d), and 320 of the Criminal Code laws of Ogun State, 2006.
Magistrate Mrs. O.M. Somefun granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N5 million each, with sureties who are licensed bond agents registered with the Ogun State government. The case was adjourned until March 17 for hearing.
The incident reportedly stemmed from the sealing of Portable’s uncompleted building and hotel by the State Town Planning Office due to illegal development without the necessary permits.
On his Instagram, Portable expressed his belief in God and frustration over the sealing of his property. He claimed the authorities confiscated over 20 artists, customers, cars, bikes, and phones from his establishment.
He accused the government of targeting his business despite his efforts to help the community, including providing streetlights and repairing roads. He lamented, “Why will they do that to my property that I am using to feed my family?”
Portable added, “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?”
He concluded, “God is greater than them.”
