A Magistrates’ Court in Isabo, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, on Thursday, February 6, 2025, arraigned nine associates of popular singer Habeeb Okikiola, known as Portable, over their alleged assault on officers of the Ota Zonal Planning Office of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
The defendants—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)—were charged with five counts, including felony, assault, possession of weapons, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, and attempted murder.
During the court proceedings, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Police prosecutor Sunday Ekong informed the court that the incident occurred on Wednesday around 10:00 a.m. at Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu, Sango-Ota. According to Ekong, the accused, alongside Portable, who remains at large, allegedly attacked town planning officers Abidemi Onabanjo, Ramon Lateef, and Akinpelumi Oyero while they were carrying out their official duties at Odogwu Bar, a property owned by the singer.
“The defendants, in conjunction with Portable, unlawfully assaulted, restricted, and obstructed the officers while performing their lawful duties,” Ekong stated. He further alleged that the group was armed with cutlasses and guns and had intentions to harm the officials.
The prosecution noted that the charges violated Sections 516, 356(3), 80, 249(d), and 320 of the Ogun State Criminal Code Law of 2006.
Magistrate O.M. Somefun granted each defendant bail in the sum of N5 million, with sureties who must be licensed bondmen registered with the Ogun State government. The case was adjourned until March 17 for further hearing.
The arraignment follows the recent sealing of Portable’s uncompleted building and hotel by the Ogun State Government, citing illegal development without approval. The singer, in a social media outburst, claimed the government’s actions led to the arrest of over 20 people, including artistes and customers.
Portable further alleged that authorities confiscated cars, motorcycles, and phones during the crackdown. He maintained that his property was primarily used for hosting events and entertainment rather than for commercial sales of alcoholic beverages.
