Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, was arraigned on Monday before the Federal High Court in Ota, Ogun State, facing criminal charges that include assault and resisting arrest.
Confirming the development, Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer Oluseyi Babaseyi told our correspondent that Portable was arrested and arraigned in Ota on Monday.
“Yes, he was arraigned and remanded yesterday,” Babaseyi said on Tuesday.
The arraignment followed a viral video that surfaced on Sunday showing Portable shirtless, in handcuffs, and tearfully pleading while seated on a couch in what appeared to be a police holding area.
His arrest reportedly stems from allegations that he assaulted actress and skit maker Omobolarinde Akinyanju, better known as Ashabi Simple, who is one of the musician’s baby mamas and the mother of one of his children.
The prosecution alleged that the Zazu crooner attacked Ashabi, as well as some police officers and other individuals, at his bar in the Iyana Ilogbo area on New Year’s Day.
Other alleged victims named in the charge sheet include Ileyemi Damilola, Akinyanju Oluwabusayomi, Olowu Olumide, Demilade Ogunniyi, and Ebuka Odah.
The prosecution further claimed that Portable stole a Mercedes-Benz E300 valued at ₦12 million, belonging to Ileyemi Damilola and associated with car dealer Wally Dex Auto.
During the proceedings, two of Ashabi Simple’s siblings testified as witnesses to the alleged assault, though Ashabi herself was absent from court.
Police also alleged that Portable obstructed and assaulted a female police inspector, Ogungbe Olayemi, while she was performing her official duties.
The presiding judge denied the singer bail, citing the absence of the allegedly assaulted police officer in court. The judge ruled that the officer must be present before a decision on the bail application could be made and subsequently remanded Portable in custody, adjourning the bail hearing to January 19.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation into a separate viral video reportedly showing the singer being assaulted while in custody.