AN Abeokuta Magistrate’s Court has adjourned the assault case involving singer Habeeb Okikiola (popularly known as Portable), till 26 March 2025, to allow the prosecution to merge his charges with those of his workers.
When the case resumed on Wednesday, following Portable’s earlier arraignment on 20 February 2025, Senior State Counsel, Timilehin Oredein, informed the court that handling the singer’s case separately from that of his workers would be a waste of judicial time. He explained that Portable’s case had a sister case involving his nine workers, who were initially arraigned on 6 February 2025, on similar charges.
Oredein requested a short adjournment to enable the prosecution to merge and substitute the charges before the trial commences.
The Zazoo-zeh crooner was arraigned on a five-count charge before an Isabo Magistrate Court, Abeokuta.
The charges include conspiracy, assault and restriction, armed with cutlasses and guns and conduct likely to cause harm.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
His proteges – nine in number – were arraigned for similar charges on February 6.
The nine suspects are, 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.
The defendants were arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on felony, assault and restriction, armed with cutlasses and guns, conduct likely to cause breach of peace, intending to kill.
They allegedly assaulted, restricted and obstructed one Abidemi Onabanjo, Ramon Lateef and Akinpelumi Oyero who are Town Planners.
The defendants and Portable allegedly assaulted the three town planning officers, while performing their lawful duties at Odogwu Bar, owned by the popular hip-hop musician.
After pleading not guilty to the charges, his counsel, Oluwatoyin Ayodele, urged the court to grant him bail.
Ayodele assured the court that the suspect “is now remorseful and has learnt his lessons.”
Magistrate O L Oke granted N2m bail with one surety in the like sum.
He then adjourned the case till 5 March 2025 for trial.
Eighteen-Eleven Media