Portable arraigned, remanded over alleged assault on police officer, car theft

Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has been arraigned before a Federal High Court in Ota, Ogun State, over multiple criminal allegations, including assault and car theft.

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

Police spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed that the charges include assault, theft, causing harm, and resisting arrest.

Portable’s arraignment followed the circulation of a viral video on Sunday showing him in police custody. The incident is reportedly connected to a complaint lodged by his estranged partner, Ashabi Simple.

According to the prosecution, the singer allegedly attacked Ashabi, police officers, and other individuals at his bar in the Iyana Ilogbo area on New Year’s Day. Those listed as victims in the charge include Ileyemi Damilola, Akinyanju Oluwabusayomi, Olowu Olumide, Demilade Ogunniyi, and Ebuka Odah.

Portable is also accused of stealing a Mercedes-Benz E300 valued at ₦12 million, allegedly belonging to Ileyemi Damilola, from a car dealer identified as Wally Dex Auto.

During the court session, two siblings of Ashabi Simple testified as witnesses to the alleged assault, although Ashabi herself was not present. The police further alleged that Portable obstructed and assaulted a female police inspector, Ogungbe Olayemi, while she was carrying out her official duties.

The presiding judge declined to grant the singer bail, citing the absence of the allegedly assaulted police officer in court. The judge ruled that the officer must appear before any decision on bail could be made. Portable was subsequently remanded in custody, with the case adjourned until January 19 for a fresh bail hearing.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has ordered an investigation into a separate viral video that appears to show the singer being assaulted while in custody.

This is not Portable’s first legal trouble. In May last year, a magistrate court in Ifo Local Government Area sentenced him to three months in prison for assault. That case arose from a 2022 incident in which he was accused of attacking Osimosu Emmanuel Oluwafemi in the Okeosa area of Ilogbo.

He was also previously accused of stealing musical equipment, including a Yamaha H55 studio monitor, an audio interface cable, and an AKG P420 condenser microphone.