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Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has been ordered to remain in custody following his arraignment before an Ogun State High Court sitting in Onipanu, Ota, over a series of serious criminal allegations.
The singer was brought before the court on Monday, where he faced a nine-count charge bordering on assault, stealing, felony occasioning harm, and obstruction of law enforcement officers. Other related offences were also listed in the charge sheet presented by the prosecution.
During the court session, Portable reportedly appeared emotionally overwhelmed, breaking down in tears at different points as the charges against him were read. The court heard allegations that the musician physically assaulted one of his wives, Nollywood actress Ashabi Simple, and also attacked police officers who attempted to intervene during the incident.
According to the prosecution, the alleged offences occurred on January 1 at Portable’s Odogwu Bar, located in the Iyana Ilogbo area of Ogun State. It was claimed that several individuals were assaulted during the disturbance at the venue. Those named as victims include Ileyemi Damilola, Akinyanju Oluwabusayomi, Olowu Olumide, Demilade Ogunniyi, and Ebuka Odah.
The court was further informed that Portable allegedly stole a Mercedes Benz E300 bearing dealer number WAlly Dex Auto D/3 597 DOG. The vehicle, valued at approximately ₦12 million, was said to belong to Ileyemi Damilola David. Prosecutors claimed the singer unlawfully took possession of the car during the altercation.
Investigators told the court that Portable was arrested several days after the incident, following claims that he initially evaded law enforcement. The arrest reportedly came after a clash involving the singer, his estranged partner, who is the mother of his two children, and one of her siblings during the New Year’s Day incident.
Although Ashabi Simple was not present in court at the time of the hearing, two of her siblings attended the proceedings. They were said to be eyewitnesses to the alleged assault and were identified as key witnesses in the case.
The prosecution further alleged that Portable, alongside other suspects who are currently at large, used an axe to inflict injuries on Ileyemi Damilola during the confrontation. The court was told that the use of such a weapon significantly aggravated the nature of the offence.
In addition to the allegations involving civilians, the police accused the singer of resisting arrest and physically assaulting a female police officer, identified as W/Inspector Ogungbe Olayemi. According to the charge, the officer was attacked while carrying out her lawful duties during the attempt to restore order.
The prosecuting counsel noted that the offences are punishable under Sections 516, 351, 383, 389, and 390 of the Ogun State Criminal Code Laws of 2006. He urged the court to deny bail, citing the gravity of the charges and the need to ensure the defendant’s presence throughout the trial.
Portable’s legal team applied for bail, arguing that the singer was willing to cooperate with the court and comply with all conditions that may be imposed. However, the presiding judge declined to grant bail at this stage.
The judge explained that the absence of the assaulted police officer in court made it impossible to rule on the bail application. The court insisted that it must hear directly from W/Inspector Ogungbe Olayemi before making a decision on whether the defendant should be granted bail.
Following this development, the court adjourned the matter and ordered that Portable be remanded in custody pending further proceedings. The case was scheduled to resume on Monday, January 19, 2026, when the bail application is expected to be reconsidered.
As of the time of filing this report, neither Portable nor his representatives have issued an official public statement regarding the court proceedings. The case has continued to draw widespread attention due to the singer’s high-profile status and history of controversies.
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