A Federal High Court sitting in Ogun State has denied controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, also known as Portable, bail on Monday after arraignment over a nine-count criminal charge involving assault, theft, and resisting arrest. The presiding judge denied the singer's release, citing the allegedly assaulted officer's absence from court and emphasizing the need of the officer's presence before hearing a bail plea. Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the news to our correspondent, stating that Portable was taken into custody and charged on Monday in Ota. Babaseyi stated on Tuesday, "Yes, he was arraigned and remanded yesterday."
Portable's arraignment came after a widely shared video circulated on Sunday that showed him sitting on a couch in what appeared to be a police holding facility while wearing handcuffs, shirtless, and appealing with tears.
One of Portable's baby mamas and the mother of two of his children, actress and skit creator Omobolarinde Akinyanju, also known as Ashabi Simple, was accused of assault, leading to Portable's detention.
The prosecution claims that Portable attacked Ashabi, police officers, and other people on New Year's Day at the singer's pub in the Iyana Ilogbo neighbourhood of Ogun State.
Ileyemi Damilola, Akinyanju Oluwabusayomi, Olowu Olumide, Demilade Ogunniyi, and Ebuka Odah are among the other accused victims included in the charge.
The musician was also charged by the prosecution with stealing a Mercedes-Benz E300 worth ₦12 million that was allegedly owned by Ileyemi Damilola and connected to Wally Dex Auto, a car dealer.
Ashabi Simple was not present in court, but two of her siblings testified as witnesses to the alleged assault during the hearings. Additionally, police claimed that as Ogungbe Olayemi, a female police inspector, was performing her professional duty, Portable assaulted and blocked her.
Because the allegedly assaulted police officer was not present in court, the presiding judge denied the bail request. The judge remanded Portable in jail, postponed the bail hearing until January 19, and mandated that the officer be present before the bail request could be heard.
In the meantime, an investigation into another viral video that purports to show the musician being beaten while in detention has been requested by the Ogun State Police Command.