Portable pleads not guilty over alleged assault, granted N2m bail

Nigerian street singer Habeeb Okikiola, better known by his professional name Portable, has been granted bail.

The controversial singer, who was arraigned in court today, was granted bail by the Isabo Magistrate court sitting in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The singer was arraigned before the court on five-count charges bordering on conspiracy, assault, and restriction, armed with cutlasses and guns, and conduct likely to cause harm.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. His counsel, Oluwatoyin Ayodele, urged the court to grant him bail as he was now remorseful and had learned his lessons.

Magistrate O L Oke granted the singer an N2m bail with one surety in the like sum and adjourned the case till March 5 for the trial.

Kemi Filani reported earlier this week that the controversial singer was declared wanted by the Police. The state police force accused him of conspiracy, serious assault, armed, breach of public peace, and attempted murder through the recruitment of armed thugs.

On Wednesday, the singer turned himself in at the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Yaba, where he was transported to Ogun State Police headquarters. The Command’s Spokesperson, CSP Omotola Odetola said that his arrival at SCID marks the beginning of his prosecution in connection with an ongoing investigation into an alleged attack on Ogun State officials.

Odutola, however, assured the public that due process will be followed in handling the matter and updates will be provided as necessary.

Recall that in the first week of February, Portable cried out as the government sealed his uncompleted building and hotel over illegal development without an approval permit and detained some of his customers and workers.

The singer, who went into hiding, had even made an emotional appeal to President Tinubu, to beg Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on his behalf, as he noted how he is a citizen of Ogun State, yet his state was mad at him for supporting Yayi.