Court grants Portable 2m bail after assault charges

An Ogun State Magistrate Court in Abeokuta on Thursday granted bail to controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola Olalomi, popularly known as Portable, in the sum of N2 million.

Portable was arraigned on charges of alleged assault against government officials.

The singer voluntarily reported to the Criminal Investigations Department (SCID), Lagos Command, on Wednesday after being declared wanted by the Ogun Command. He was later transferred to the Ogun State Police Headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.

The Zazoo Zeh crooner faced a five-count charge, including conspiracy, assault, restriction of movement, possession of dangerous weapons, and conduct likely to cause harm. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Nine of his protégés had earlier been arraigned on February 6 for similar offenses. The accused individuals—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—allegedly assaulted and obstructed town planners Abidemi Onabanjo, Ramon Lateef, and Akinpelumi Oyero while they were carrying out official duties at Odogwu Bar, owned by Portable.

Following his not-guilty plea, his counsel, Oluwatoyin Ayodele, appealed for bail, assuring the court of his client’s remorse. Magistrate O. L. Oke granted the request, setting bail at N2 million with one surety, and adjourned the case to March 5 for trial.