Alleged Assault: Court grants singer Portable N2m bail

Nigerian street singer Habeeb Okikiola, also known as Portable, has been granted bail.

The singer, arraigned in court, was granted bail by the Isabo Magistrate court in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on five counts of conspiracy, assault, and restriction.

Oluwatoyin Ayodele, his counsel, urged the court to grant bail to the man who pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Nigerian street artist Habeeb Okikiola, widely recognized by his stage name Portable, has been granted bail.

The contentious musician appeared in court today, where the Isabo Magistrate Court in Abeokuta, Ogun State, approved his bail. He faced five charges, including conspiracy, assault, and possession of weapons, as well as conduct likely to cause harm.

Portable entered a plea of not guilty to the allegations. His attorney, Oluwatoyin Ayodele, requested bail on the grounds that the artist expressed remorse and had gained insight from his experiences.

Magistrate O L Oke set the bail at N2 million, requiring one surety of equivalent value, and postponed the trial until March 5.

Earlier this week, Gistlover reported that the singer had been declared wanted by the police, who accused him of conspiracy, serious assault, armed violence, public disturbance, and attempted murder through the enlistment of armed thugs.

On Wednesday, Portable surrendered at the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Yaba, from where he was transferred to the Ogun State Police headquarters. The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Omotola Odetola, indicated that his arrival at SCID marks the commencement of legal proceedings related to an ongoing investigation into an alleged assault on Ogun State officials.

Odetola reassured the public that the case would be handled in accordance with legal protocols, with updates to be provided as necessary.

It is worth noting that in early February, Portable expressed distress over the government’s closure of his unfinished building and hotel due to unauthorized development, which led to the detention of some of his patrons and employees.

The artist, who had gone into hiding, even made a heartfelt appeal to President Tinubu, requesting intervention with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, emphasizing his status as a citizen of Ogun State despite the government’s discontent with him for supporting Yayi.