BREAKING: Nigerian Singer 'Portable' Arraigned, Remanded In Custody For ‘Assaulting Police Officer, Car Theft’

Portable was brought before the court on Monday to answer to a nine-count charge filed against him by the Ogun State Police Command.

Controversial Nigerian street-hop singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has been arraigned before a Federal High Court sitting in Ota, Ogun State, over multiple criminal allegations bordering on assault, theft, and obstruction of police duties.

Portable was brought before the court on Monday to answer to a nine-count charge filed against him by the Ogun State Police Command.

Confirming the development, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed that the charges include assault occasioning harm, theft, resisting lawful arrest, and obstruction of police officers in the line of duty.

The singer’s arraignment followed a viral video that surfaced on Sunday, showing him in police custody.

SaharaReporters gathered that his arrest was linked to a complaint reportedly filed by his estranged partner, popular actress and content creator, Ashabi Simple.

According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on New Year’s Day at Portable’s bar located in the Iyana Ilogbo area of Ogun State.

The police alleged that the singer, alongside some of his associates, attacked Ashabi Simple, several police officers, and other individuals during a confrontation at the premises.

Those listed as victims in the charge include Ileyemi Damilola, Akinyanju Oluwabusayomi, Olowu Olumide, Demilade Ogunniyi, and Ebuka Odah.

In addition to 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.

The police further alleged that the singer forcefully obstructed and assaulted a female police inspector, Ogungbe Olayemi, while she was carrying out her official duties, an offence that forms a major part of the charges against him.

During the court proceedings, two siblings of Ashabi Simple appeared as prosecution witnesses and gave testimonies relating to the alleged assault. Notably, Ashabi herself was absent from the courtroom.

When Portable’s legal team applied for bail, the presiding judge declined to grant the request, citing a critical procedural concern.

The court noted the absence of the allegedly assaulted police officer, Inspector Ogungbe Olayemi, 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. As a result, the singer was ordered to be remanded in custody.

The court adjourned the matter and fixed January 19 for a fresh hearing and possible reconsideration of the bail application.