By Hassanat Adebowale
Habeeb Okikiola, the popular hip-hop artist known as Portable, appeared before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court in Isabo on Thursday, facing allegations of assaulting officials from the Ogun Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
Magistrate O.L. Oke granted the musician bail in the sum of N2 million, with a requirement that the surety be a licensed bondsman registered with the Ogun government.
The 31-year-old musician was arraigned on five counts, including conspiracy, assault, unlawful obstruction, possession of a cutlass and gun, and conduct likely to breach the peace. Portable pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Senior State Counsel Timileyin Oredein informed the court that Portable allegedly committed these offenses on Feb. 5 at around 10:00 a.m. at Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu, Sango-Ota, Ogun. Oredein claimed that Portable, along with some of his workers, unlawfully assaulted, restricted, and obstructed officials from the Ota Zonal Planning Office, including Abidemi Onabanjo, Ramon Lateef, and Akinpelumi Oyero, who were performing their lawful duties at his Odogwu Bar.
Oredein added that Portable and his workers were armed with dangerous weapons, such as cutlasses and guns, and inflicted injuries on the officials. He also stated that their actions were likely to cause a breach of public peace.
The offenses are said to contravene Sections 516, 356(3), 80, 249(d), and 197 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun, 2006.
In response, defense counsel Oluwatoyin Omomehin requested that the court grant Portable bail on liberal terms. Magistrate Oke, before granting bail, warned Portable against making any comments on social media or causing trouble related to the case, stating that any violation of this condition would result in the withdrawal of bail.
The case has been adjourned until March 5 for hearing.
Assaulting a government official while they’re performing their lawful duties is a serious crime that can lead to significant penalties, including imprisonment. The Ogun State Criminal Code Laws, 2006, clearly prohibit obstructing public officers and engaging in violent conduct that could cause harm. Additionally, if someone is found with firearms and dangerous weapons, they could face extra charges under Nigeria’s Firearms Act, which controls weapon ownership and use. The outcome of this case will depend on whether the prosecution can prove intent and provide clear evidence of the alleged assault and obstruction.
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