- Safiu Kehinde
A Federal High Court sitting in Ota, Ogun State, has ordered the remand of controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, following his arraignment over multiple criminal allegations bordering on assault, theft, and obstruction of police duties.
Portable was brought before the court on Monday by the Ogun State Police Command over a nine-count charge filed against him.
This is coming under the heels of his re-arrest on Sunday following a complaint filed by his estranged spouse, Ashabi Simple.
As confirmed by the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, the singer was arraigned on Monday on the nine-count charge bordering on assault occasioning harm, theft, resisting lawful arrest, and obstruction of police officers in the line of duty.
During the hearing of the case, the prosecution counsel narrated how Portable and some of his associates had on New Year’s Day attacked Ashabi Simple, several police officers, and other individuals during a confrontation at his bar located in Iyana Ilogbo area of the state.
Victims of the assault, as listed in the charge, include Ileyemi Damilola, Akinyanju Oluwabusayomi, Olowu Olumide, Demilade Ogunniyi, and Ebuka Odah.
Also identified by the police as victim was a female police inspector, Ogungbe Olayemi, who the singer was alleged to have forcefully obstructed and assaulted while she was carrying out her official duties.
According to reports, the assault on the officer formed a major part of the charges against him.
Coupled with the assault allegations, Portable was accused of stealing a Mercedes-Benz E300 vehicle valued at N12 million.
The vehicle, bearing dealer identification from Wally Dex Auto, was said to belong to one of the complainants, Ileyemi Damilola.
While Ashabi Simple was notably absent from the courtroom, two of her siblings appeared as prosecution witnesses and gave testimonies relating to the alleged assault.
The presiding judge, in his verdict, denied a bail application filed by Portable’s legal team noting the absence of the allegedly assaulted police officer, whose testimony was deemed central to determining the bail application.
The judge insisted that the court must see and hear from the officer before any decision on bail could be made, thereby ordering the remand of the singer in custody.
The court adjourned the matter and fixed January 19 for a fresh hearing and possible reconsideration of the bail application.