An Ogun State High Court sitting in Ota has refused to grant bail to controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, widely known as Portable, following his arraignment on multiple criminal charges.
The musician was brought before the court on a nine-count charge bordering on assault, theft, causing bodily harm and resisting lawful arrest.
During proceedings, the presiding judge declined to consider his bail application, citing the absence of the police officer who was allegedly assaulted during the incident that led to the singer’s arrest.
According to the court, it was necessary for the alleged victim, a police officer, to be physically present before any decision could be taken on the bail request.
The judge consequently ordered that Portable be remanded in custody pending a fresh hearing, which has been fixed for January 19.
The Ogun State Police Command had earlier explained that the charges arose from a complaint linked to Portable’s estranged partner, Ashabi Simple.
Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi said the case followed a New Year’s Day incident at the singer’s bar located in the Iyana Ilogbo area of the state.
Prosecutors alleged that during the incident, Portable assaulted Ashabi alongside some police officers and other individuals who were present at the scene.
The singer was also accused of stealing a Mercedes-Benz E300 reportedly worth N12 million.
The vehicle was said to belong to one Ileyemi Damilola and allegedly registered under a car dealership identified as Wally Dex Auto.
In court, two siblings of Ashabi Simple testified for the prosecution, narrating their account of the alleged assault. Ashabi herself, however, was not present during the hearing.
The police further accused Portable of obstructing and physically assaulting a female police officer, Inspector Ogungbe Olayemi, while she was said to be performing her official duties at the time of the incident.
With the denial of bail, the singer remains in custody as the court prepares to continue hearing his bail application and the substantive case later this month.
