The Ogun State Police on Thursday arraigned nine proteges of popular singer Habeeb Okikiola, also known as Portable, before a Magistrates’ Court in Isabo, Abeokuta, for allegedly assaulting officers of the Ota Zonal Planning Office of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
The defendants 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).
They were arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on felony, assault and restriction, armed with cutlasses and guns, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace and intending to kill.
They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Police prosecutor Sunday Ekong told the court that the defendants committed the offences on Wednesday around 10:00 a.m. at Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu, Sango-Ota.
Ekong said, “The defendants and Portable, who is at large, unlawfully assaulted, restricted and obstructed one Abidemi Onabanjo, Ramon Lateef, and Akinpelumi Oyero, who are town planners.
“The defendants and Portable assaulted the three town planning officers while performing their lawful duties at Odogwu Bar being owned by Portable, a popular hip-pop musician.”
He added that the defendants were armed with cutlasses and guns and allegedly intended to kill the officials.
He thereafter noted that the offences committed contravene Sections 516, 356(3), 80, 249 (d), 320 of the Criminal Code laws of Ogun 2006
Magistrate O.M. Somefun granted the defendants bail at N5 million each, with sureties who are licensed bondmen registered with the Ogun State government.
She adjourned the case until March 17 for a hearing.
Portable had expressed frustration after the Ogun State Government sealed his uncompleted building and hotel.
According to a letter posted on social media, the government’s action was due to alleged illegal development without an approval permit.
Portable claimed in a social media post that the government’s action led to the arrest of over 20 people, including artistes, customers, and others who had sought his help.
He also alleged that authorities confiscated cars, bikes, and phones.
The singer argued that he was using the building to host events and shows, not just to sell drinks.
