On Monday, controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, better known by his stage name Portable was charged before the Federal High Court in Ota, Ogun State with criminal charges including assault and resisting arrest.
Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer confirmed that Portable was taken into custody and charged on Monday in Ota.
“Yes, he was arraigned and remanded yesterday,” Babaseyi said on Tuesday.
Portable’s arraignment followed a viral video that surfaced on Sunday showing him in handcuffs, shirtless and tearfully pleading while seated on a couch in what appeared to be a police holding area.
Actress and skit creator Omobolarinde Akinyanju, also known as Ashabi Simple, who is one of the musician’s baby mamas and the mother of two of his children, was allegedly accused of assault prior to his detention.
According to Vanguard, the prosecution claimed in court that Ashabi was attacked by the Zazu crooner on New Year’s Day at his bar in the Iyana Ilogbo neighborhood, along with some police officers and other people.
Other alleged victims named in the charge sheet include Ileyemi Damilola, Akinyanju Oluwabusayomi, Olowu Olumide, Demilade Ogunniyi and Ebuka Odah.
The prosecution further claimed that Portable had stolen a Mercedes-Benz E300 worth ₦12 million that belonged to Ileyemi Damilola and was connected to auto dealer Wally Dex Auto.
Ashabi Simple was not present in court, but two of her siblings testified as witnesses to the alleged assault during the hearings.
Additionally, authorities said that the singer assaulted and blocked Ogungbe Olayemi, a female police inspector, while she was carrying out her official responsibilities.
The presiding judge declined to grant the singer bail, citing the absence of the allegedly assaulted police officer in court.
The judge remanded Portable in custody and adjourned the bail hearing until January 19 after ruling that the officer had to be present before a judgment on the bail application could be made.
In the meantime, an investigation into another viral video that purports to show the musician being beaten while in detention has been requested by the Ogun State Police Command.
