Nine associates of popular singer Habeeb Okikiola, also known as Portable, were arraigned on Thursday before a Magistrates’ Court in Isabo, Abeokuta, accused of assaulting officers from the Ota Zonal Planning Office of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
The accused individuals are 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).
They faced a five-count charge including felony, assault, obstruction, armed with cutlasses and guns, engaging in conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, and attempting to kill. All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Police prosecutor Sunday Ekong informed the court that the alleged incident took place around 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday at Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu, Sango-Ota.
Ekong stated that the defendants, alongside Portable (who remains at large), unlawfully assaulted, restricted, and obstructed three town planners—Abidemi Onabanjo, Ramon Lateef, and Akinpelumi Oyero—while they were performing their official duties at Odogwu Bar, a business owned by Portable.
The prosecutor added that the defendants were armed with cutlasses and guns, with intentions to kill the officers.
Ekong also emphasized that the offences violated various sections of the Criminal Code laws of Ogun State, including Sections 516, 356(3), 80, 249(d), and 320.
Magistrate O.M. Somefun granted bail to the defendants at N5 million each, with sureties who must be licensed bondmen registered with the Ogun State government. The case was adjourned until March 17 for a hearing.
This legal matter follows an earlier incident in which Portable expressed frustration after the Ogun State Government sealed his uncompleted building and hotel. The government’s action was reportedly due to alleged unauthorized development without an approval permit.
Portable claimed that the government's move resulted in the arrest of over twenty individuals, including artists and customers, and the confiscation of cars, bikes, and phones. The singer further argued that the building was meant to host events and shows, not solely for selling drinks.
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