Controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, is reportedly on the run after nine of his proteges were arraigned before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court on Thursday for allegedly assaulting officials from the Ota Zonal Planning Office of the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
The suspects — 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) — were charged with five counts, including felony, assault, obstruction, armed violence with cutlasses and guns, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, and intent to kill.
Police Prosecutor, Sunday Ekong, told the court that the incident occurred on Wednesday February 5, 2025 around 10:00 a.m. at Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu, Sango-Ota, in the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.
According to him, the suspects, along with Portable — who is currently at large — allegedly assaulted, obstructed, and restricted town planners Abidemi Onabanjo, Ramon Lateef, and Akinpelumi Oyero while they were carrying out their official duties at Odogwu Bar, a business owned by Portable.
Ekong added that the defendants and Portable were armed with dangerous weapons and acted in a manner that could have led to a breach of public peace, with the alleged intent to kill the town planning officers.
The charges were brought under Sections 516, 356(3), 80, 249(d), and 320 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.
Magistrate O.M. Somefun granted the defendants bail at N5 million each, requiring sureties who are licensed bond agents registered with the Ogun State Government.
The case was adjourned to March 17 for hearing.