Legal proceedings against controversial musician Habeeb Okikiola, known professionally as Portable, moved into focus in Ogun State on Monday as he was brought before the Federal High Court in Ota to answer a raft of criminal allegations linked to events on New Year’s Day.
The singer is facing a nine-count charge bordering on assault, theft, causing bodily harm and resisting arrest, following a complaint connected to his estranged partner, Ashabi Simple. Prosecutors told the court that the alleged offences occurred at Portable’s bar in the Iyana Ilogbo area, where he was accused of attacking Ashabi, several police officers and other individuals.
Those listed as complainants in the charge sheet include Ileyemi Damilola, Akinyanju Oluwabusayomi, Olowu Olumide, Demilade Ogunniyi and Ebuka Odah. The prosecution further alleged that Portable unlawfully took a Mercedes-Benz E300, valued at ₦12 million, said to belong to Damilola and linked to car dealership Wally Dex Auto.
During the hearing, two siblings of Ashabi Simple gave testimony on the alleged assault, although Ashabi herself was not present in court. The police also accused the singer of obstructing and assaulting a female officer, Inspector Ogungbe Olayemi, while she was performing her official duties.
The presiding judge declined to grant bail, noting that the allegedly assaulted police officer was not in court to testify. The court ordered that Portable be remanded in custody and adjourned consideration of his bail application to January 19.
Separately, the Ogun State Police Command has opened an investigation into another viral video circulating online, which appears to show the singer being assaulted while in police custody.
