Nine associates of popular Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, widely known as Portable, were arraigned on Thursday before a Magistrates’ Court in Isabo, Abeokuta, for allegedly assaulting officials of the Ota Zonal Planning Office of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
The defendants—Nurudeen Warriors (21), Adetola Alashe (25), Samuel Adeleke (28), Oluwaseun Ayenuwa (19), Oluwapelumi Adeosun (20), Gospel Kanu (20), Precious Ohiegebo (19), Ifeoluwa Babatunde (27), and Fatima Muhammed (26)—were charged with a five-count offence. The charges include felony, assault, restriction, being armed with cutlasses and guns, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, and intent to kill. All nine pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to Police Prosecutor Sunday Ekong, the incident occurred on Wednesday around 10:00 a.m. at Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu, Sango-Ota. Ekong stated that the defendants, alongside Portable—who remains at large—allegedly assaulted, restricted, and obstructed three town planning officers, Abidemi Onabanjo, Ramon Lateef, and Akinpelumi Oyero, while they were performing their lawful duties at Odogwu Bar, a property owned by the musician.
Ekong further alleged that the defendants were armed with cutlasses and guns and had the intention to kill the officials. The offences, he noted, violate Sections 516, 356(3), 80, 249(d), and 320 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 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 has been adjourned until March 17 for further hearing.
The incident follows Portable’s public outcry after the Ogun State Government sealed his uncompleted building and hotel. In a letter shared on social media, the government cited illegal development without an approved permit as the reason for the action. Portable, however, claimed that the government’s move led to the arrest of over 20 individuals, including artists, customers, and others seeking his assistance. He also alleged that authorities confiscated cars, bikes, and phones.
The singer maintained that the building was being used to host events and shows, not solely for commercial purposes. The case has drawn significant attention, with many awaiting further developments as the legal proceedings continue.
