Nigeria: Controversial singer Portable denied bail
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
A Federal High Court in Ota, Ogun State, has denied bail to Nigerian hip-hop singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, following his arraignment on multiple criminal charges. Portable was charged with assault, theft, causing bodily harm, and resisting arrest, stemming from a New Year’s Day incident at his bar in Iyana Ilogbo, Ogun State.
The prosecution alleges that Portable attacked his estranged partner, Ashabi Simple, and several police officers, including a female inspector, Ogungbe Olayemi. He is also accused of stealing a Mercedes-Benz E300 valued at N12 million, belonging to Ileyemi Damilola.
The court declined to grant Portable bail, citing the absence of the allegedly assaulted police officer, and adjourned the matter to January 19 for a fresh hearing on the bail application. Portable remains in custody as the Ogun State Police Command investigates a viral video showing him being assaulted while in police custody.
