The controversial singer Portable, whose real name is Habeeb Okikiola Olalomi, was arraigned on Thursday at the Isabo magistrate court in Abeokuta, Ogun.
The musician was proclaimed wanted by the police on February 18 in connection with an alleged attack on three officials from the Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority (OGPDPA).
Portable surrendered himself to the police in Lagos on Wednesday. After being turned over to the Ogun State Police Command, he was brought before the court to be charged.
The singer was arraigned on a five-count charge, including conspiracy, assault and restriction, armed with cutlasses and guns, and conduct likely to cause harm. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
After pleading not guilty, Oluwatoyin Ayodele, Portable’s counsel, urged the court to grant him bail.
Ayodele assured the court that Portable was remorseful and had learned his lesson.
O.L. Oke, the magistrate, granted the singer bail in the amount of N2 million with one surety in the like sum. The case was adjourned until March 5 for trial.
The controversy began on February 5 when OGPDPA officials attempted to seal Portable’s bar due to a lack of approved permits and insufficient air space.
Portable allegedly led a gang in a violent attack on the unarmed officials, who sustained injuries but managed to escape.
The altercation led to the arrest and arraignment of nine of Portable’s associates on a five-count charge, including armed violence, felony, obstruction, assault, and intent to kill.
They were granted bail of N5 million each with sureties licensed bond agents registered with the state government. The case was adjourned until March 17 for further hearing.
Portable had been on the run since February 5. He had also made various excuses to evade arrest, including claiming to be a “madman” undergoing treatment at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Abeokuta.
Portable recently sought the assistance of Femi Falana, the human rights lawyer.
He had earlier pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the matter.
