By Wellington Jopelo
Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Ota, Ogun State, over criminal charges including assault and resisting arrest.
Confirming the development, Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer Oluseyi Babaseyi said Portable was arrested and arraigned on Monday.
“Yes, he was arraigned and remanded yesterday,” Babaseyi told our correspondent.
Portable’s arraignment followed a viral video that surfaced on Sunday, showing him in handcuffs, shirtless, and tearfully pleading while seated in what appeared to be a police holding area. The singer’s arrest reportedly relates to allegations of assault against actress and skit maker Omobolarinde Akinyanju, popularly known as Ashabi Simple, who is one of his baby mamas and mother of two of his children.
During proceedings, the prosecution alleged that Portable attacked Ashabi, police officers, and others at his bar in Iyana Ilogbo on New Year’s Day. Other alleged victims named in the charge sheet include Ileyemi Damilola, Akinyanju Oluwabusayomi, Olowu Olumide, Demilade Ogunniyi, and Ebuka Odah.
Police also accused Portable of stealing a Mercedes-Benz E300 worth ₦12 million, belonging to Ileyemi Damilola and linked to car dealer Wally Dex Auto.
Two of Ashabi Simple’s siblings testified as witnesses to the alleged assault, though Ashabi herself was absent from court. The prosecution further claimed the singer obstructed and assaulted a female police inspector, Ogungbe Olayemi, while she performed her official duties.
The presiding judge declined to grant bail, citing the absence of the allegedly assaulted police officer. The judge said the officer must be present before a decision on bail can be made and remanded Portable in custody, adjourning the bail hearing to January 19.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has ordered an investigation into a separate viral video allegedly showing the singer being assaulted while in custody.