Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, will spend more time behind bars after his request for bail was rejected by a Federal High Court in Ota, Ogun State.
Court Rejects Bail Amid Serious Charges
The court's decision on Monday, January 12, came after the singer was arraigned on a series of grave allegations. Portable faces charges of assault, theft of a Mercedes-Benz E300 valued at ₦12 million, and obstructing a police officer in the execution of her duty.
Presiding over the case, the judge stated that bail considerations could not proceed until the female police inspector, whom Portable allegedly assaulted, was present in court. Consequently, the musician was remanded in custody, with the bail hearing adjourned to January 19.
The New Year's Day Incident with Ashabi Simple
The legal troubles for the 'Zazoo Zeh' crooner stem primarily from an incident on New Year's Day. Actress and skit maker Omobolarinde Akinyanju, known as Ashabi Simple—who is also the mother of two of Portable's children—publicly accused the singer of a violent attack.
According to her account, she and her siblings visited Portable's residence to celebrate the New Year when the encounter turned physical. Ashabi alleged that Portable pushed and slapped her, brandished an axe, and forcefully confiscated their phones. She further claimed her younger brother was punched in the eye and her sister was also slapped during the altercation.
Following the incident, Ashabi and her siblings filed an official police report. Although she was absent from the court proceedings, two of her siblings testified as witnesses to the alleged assault.
Additional Allegations and Police Investigation
The charge sheet presented in court listed other alleged victims, including Ileyemi Damilola, Akinyanju Oluwabusayomi, Olowu Olumide, Demilade Ogunniyi, and Ebuka Odah. Prosecutors told the court that the singer attacked these individuals, alongside police officers, at his bar in the Iyana Ilogbo area.
In a separate but related development, the Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation into a viral video that appears to show Portable being assaulted by personnel while in detention. This video, which showed the singer shirtless and handcuffed while pleading for mercy, had sparked public outrage over police conduct.
Portable's arrest on Sunday, January 11, and subsequent arraignment mark a significant escalation in the ongoing saga surrounding the singer, who has often been in the news for controversial reasons.
