NIGERIAN SINGER PORTABLE REMANDED IN PRISON OVER ASSAULT AND CAR THEFT CHARGES
Judge Denies Bail, Demands Presence of Allegedly Assaulted Police Officer
Nigerian musician Habeeb Okikiola, known as Portable, has been remanded in custody after a Federal High Court in Ota, Ogun State, refused his bail application on Monday.
The singer faces nine criminal charges, including assault, theft of a vehicle, causing bodily harm, and resisting arrest.
According to the Ogun State Police Command, the charges stem from an incident on New Year’s Day at the singer’s bar in the Iyana Ilogbo area. Prosecutors allege that Portable assaulted his estranged partner, actress Ashabi Simple the mother of two of his children alongside several other individuals. A serious charge accuses him of stealing a Mercedes-Benz E300 valued at 12 million naira, belonging to one Ileyemi Damilola.
The singer is also accused of assaulting and obstructing a female police inspector, Ogungbe Olayemi, from performing her official duties.
During the hearing, Portable broke down in tears in court. Ashabi Simple was absent, but two of her siblings attended as witnesses. The presiding judge refused the bail application, insisting that the allegedly assaulted police officer, Inspector Ogungbe Olayemi, must be present in court before bail could be considered. The case was adjourned to January 19 for a continuation of the bail hearing.
Portable’s arrest was preceded by a viral video showing him handcuffed and shirtless in a police facility. The Ogun State Police Command has also ordered an investigation into a separate video that appears to show the singer being assaulted while in custody.
This is not Portable’s first legal issue; he was sentenced to three months in prison for assault in May of last year. The case continues to draw significant public and media attention.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
