Follow Up: Portable Faces Court Over Alledged Car Theft, Assault as Judge Orders His Remand in Custody
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Ota, Ogun State, over multiple criminal allegations, including assault, theft, causing bodily harm and resisting arrest, as the court orders his remand in custody.
OTN News further reports as gathered that the nine-count charge, confirmed by the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, stemed from an incident allegedly involving the singer, his estranged partner, Ashabi Simple, and several other individuals.
OTN News observes that Portable’s court appearance earlier this week followed the circulation of a viral video on Sunday showing him in police custody, which sparks widespread public attention and speculation.
According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on New Year’s Day at Portable’s bar in the Iyana Ilogbo area of Ogun State.
The singer was accused of attacking Ashabi Simple, alongside police officers and other individuals who were present at the scene.
Those listed as victims in the charge sheet include Ileyemi Damilola, Akinyanju Oluwabusayomi, Olowu Olumide, Demilade Ogunniyi and Ebuka Odah.
Prosecutors further alleged that Portable stole a Mercedes-Benz E300 valued at ₦12 million, belonging to Ileyemi Damilola, in a transaction linked to car dealer Wally Dex Auto. The alleged theft forms part of the charges read before the court.
During the proceedings, two siblings of Ashabi Simple, testified as prosecution witnesses, recounting the alleged assault as Ashabi herself was absent from the court session.
OTN News further observes that the police also accused the singer of obstructing and assaulting a female police inspector, Ogungbe Olayemi, while she was performing her official duties.
The presiding judge, however, declined to grant bail to the singer, citing the absence of the allegedly assaulted police officer in court.
Furthermore, the judge ruled that the officer must appear before the court can properly consider the bail application.
Consequently, Portable was remanded in custody, with the court adjourning the case until January 19 for further hearing and possible consideration of bail.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command orders an investigation into a separate viral video that appears to show the singer being assaulted while in police custody.
The police said that the probe is aimed at determining the authenticity of the footage and ensuring accountability if any misconduct is established.
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