Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has been declared “at large” by the Ogun State Police Command following the arrest and arraignment of nine of his associates.
The individuals were taken into custody for allegedly assaulting and obstructing officials from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development while they were carrying out their duties. The situation has drawn significant attention, especially as law enforcement intensifies efforts to locate the controversial singer.
On Thursday, February 6, 2025, the Ogun State Police Command presented the nine accused individuals before the Magistrates’ Court in Isabo, Abeokuta. They faced multiple charges, including felony, assault, obstruction of government officials, and conduct likely to incite public disturbance.
The accused individuals, identified as 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), pleaded not guilty to the allegations brought against them.
According to the prosecutor, Sunday Ekong, the incident occurred on the morning of February 5, 2025, at around 10:00 a.m. in the Oke-Osa area of Tigbo Ilu, Sango-Ota. The defendants, alongside Portable, who is currently evading arrest, allegedly attacked town planning officers Abidemi Onabanjo, Ramon Lateef, and Akinpelumi Oyero as they attempted to enforce government regulations at Odogwu Bar, a property owned by the singer.
Witnesses claim that the assailants, some of whom were allegedly armed with cutlasses and firearms, violently resisted the officials’ efforts to carry out their duties.
The suspects have been charged under multiple sections of the Ogun State Criminal Code Laws of 2006, including Sections 516 (conspiracy to commit felony), 356(3) (assault on public officers), 80 (unlawful assembly), 249(d) (conduct likely to cause a breach of peace), and 320 (use of violence).
These charges carry serious legal implications, and if found guilty, the defendants could face significant penalties. Meanwhile, law enforcement officials continue to search for Portable, who remains in hiding as authorities work to bring him to justice.
Magistrate O. Mofun granted each of the defendants bail in the sum of N5 million, with the additional requirement that they provide sureties who are registered bondmen recognized by the Ogun State government.
The magistrate emphasized that the court would not tolerate acts of lawlessness and urged the suspects to cooperate with the legal process. The case has been adjourned until March 17, 2025, when the hearing is set to continue.
This legal battle follows the recent sealing of Portable’s uncompleted building and hotel by the Ogun State Government. Officials allege that the structures were developed without obtaining the necessary approval permits, an accusation that has sparked controversy.
In response, Portable took to social media to express his outrage, claiming that the government’s actions resulted in the wrongful arrest of over 20 people, including artists, customers, and other individuals present at his property. He further accused officials of confiscating vehicles and personal belongings, demanding the immediate release of those detained.
As of now, Portable remains on the run, and the police have reiterated their commitment to apprehending him. The unfolding legal drama has intensified public discourse about the singer’s controversial lifestyle and frequent clashes with the law. Whether he turns himself in or is captured by authorities, the coming weeks will determine the next chapter in this ongoing legal battle.
