Controversial singer Portable, whose real name is Habeeb Okikiola Olalomi, has been arraigned at the Isabo Magistrate Court in Abeokuta, Ogun State, for allegedly assaulting three officials from the Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority (OGPDPA).
Trouble started on February 5 when OGPDPA officials tried to seal Portable’s bar due to a lack of approved permits and insufficient air space.
Portable allegedly led a gang in a violent attack on the unarmed officials, who sustained injuries but managed to escape.
Since then, he had been on the run, making excuses to evade arrest, including claiming to be a ‘madman’ undergoing treatment at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Abeokuta.
He recently sought the assistance of human rights lawyer Femi Falana and even pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the matter.
The singer surrendered himself to the police in Lagos on Wednesday and was handed over to the Ogun state police command. He was presented in court on Thursday to face charges.
Nine of Portable’s associates were previously arrested and arraigned on a five-count charge, including armed violence, felony, obstruction, assault, and intent to kill. They were granted bail of N5 million each.
The case has been adjourned until March 17 for further hearing.
