Controversial Nigerian street-pop artist Habeeb Okikiola, widely known as Portable, appeared before the Federal High Court in Ota, Ogun State, on Monday, where he was formally arraigned on nine criminal counts including assault, theft, causing bodily harm, and resisting lawful arrest.
The arraignment, which drew considerable public attention, came barely 24 hours after a video circulated widely on social media showing the singer in police custody. The charges were confirmed by the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, in a statement to journalists.
Central to the prosecution’s case is an alleged violent incident that occurred on New Year’s Day at Portable’s bar located in the Iyana Ilogbo area of Ogun State. According to the charge sheet presented before the court, the singer is accused of physically assaulting his estranged partner, Ashabi Simple, along with multiple police officers and several other individuals during the confrontation.
The charge sheet lists several alleged victims beyond Ashabi Simple, including Ileyemi Damilola, Akinyanju Oluwabusayomi, Olowu Olumide, Demilade Ogunniyi, and Ebuka Odah. Prosecutors detailed a series of alleged offences ranging from bodily harm to violent resistance during the attempted arrest.
Among the more serious allegations is a charge of vehicle theft. The prosecution claims Portable unlawfully took possession of a Mercedes-Benz E300 saloon car valued at ₦12 million, which belongs to one Ileyemi Damilola and is connected to an automobile dealership known as Wally Dex Auto. The circumstances surrounding the alleged theft and how the vehicle came into the singer’s possession remain subjects of ongoing investigation.
During Monday’s court session, two siblings of Ashabi Simple gave witness testimony regarding the alleged assault. Notably, Ashabi herself did not appear in court, though the reasons for her absence were not disclosed during proceedings.
In additional allegations that may complicate the singer’s legal troubles, the police charge sheet accuses Portable of obstructing and physically assaulting a female police inspector, Ogungbe Olayemi, while she carried out official duties during the incident. Such charges against law enforcement officers typically carry serious legal consequences under Nigerian criminal law.
The presiding judge refused to grant bail to the embattled musician, citing the absence of the allegedly assaulted police officer from the courtroom. The judge made it clear that Inspector Olayemi must be present before any decision on the bail application could be considered. As a result, Portable was remanded in custody pending further proceedings.
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The court adjourned the matter to Sunday, January 19, when the bail application will be revisited, provided all necessary parties are present. Until that date, the singer will remain in detention at a facility designated by the court.
The case has taken another dimension following the emergence of a separate video clip that appears to show Portable being physically assaulted while already in police custody. The footage, which also went viral on social media platforms, has prompted the Ogun State Police Command to launch an internal investigation into the conduct of officers involved.
This latest legal challenge adds to a growing list of controversies that have trailed Portable’s career since he rose to national prominence. The singer, who gained widespread recognition with his hit single “Zazoo Zeh” in late 2021, has been involved in multiple public disputes, physical altercations, and run-ins with law enforcement over the past three years.
His public persona has often oscillated between that of a gifted street-pop performer and a polarizing figure whose actions frequently attract criticism. Previous incidents have included widely reported confrontations with fellow artists, public disputes with associates, and allegations of assault, though many of those cases did not result in formal prosecution.
The current charges, however, represent one of the most serious legal situations the singer has faced to date. If convicted on all counts, Portable could face substantial prison time, particularly given the involvement of law enforcement officers among the alleged victims and the severity of the theft charge.
