An Ogun State Magistrate Court in Abeokuta granted controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola Olalomi, widely known as Portable, a bail of N2 million on Thursday. Portable, who was charged with assaulting government officials, had voluntarily surrendered himself after being declared wanted by the Ogun State Police Command. He reported to the Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) at the Lagos Command on Wednesday morning and was subsequently transferred to the Ogun Command’s headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.
Portable faces a five-count charge that includes conspiracy, assault and restriction, as well as carrying cutlasses and guns, and engaging in conduct likely to cause harm. Despite the serious nature of these allegations, he pleaded not guilty to all charges. In a related development, nine of his protégés were arraigned on similar charges on February 6. The suspects, comprising 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), are accused of assaulting, restraining, and obstructing three town planners—Abidemi Onabanjo, Ramon Lateef, and Akinpelumi Oyero—while they were carrying out their lawful duties at Odogwu Bar, a property owned by the popular hip-hop musician.
Following his not guilty plea, Portable’s counsel, Oluwatoyin Ayodele, requested that the court grant him bail and assured the magistrate of his client’s remorse. In response, Magistrate O. L. Oke granted Portable bail of N2 million with one surety, and the case has been adjourned until March 5 for trial.
