Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola Olalomi, popularly known as Portable, was arraigned on Thursday at the Isabo Magistrate Court in Ogun.
The police declared the singer wanted on February 18 over an alleged assault on three officials from the Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority (OGPDPA).
Portable turned himself in to the police in Lagos on Wednesday. He was then handed over to the Ogun State Police Command and brought to court to face charges.
The singer faced a five-count charge, covering conspiracy, assault, restriction, possession of cutlasses and guns, and conduct likely to cause harm. He pleaded not guilty.
READ MORE: Portable Surrenders To Lagos Authorities, Transferred To Ogun Police For Further Investigation
After pleading not guilty, Portable’s counsel, Oluwatoyin Ayodele, urged the court to grant him bail.
Ayodele told the court that Portable was remorseful and had learned his lesson.
Magistrate O.L. Oke granted Portable bail set at N2 million with one surety in the same amount. The case was adjourned until March 5 for trial.
The controversy started on February 5 when OGPDPA officials tried to seal Portable’s bar over a lack of approved permits and insufficient air space.
Portable is accused of leading a group in a violent assault on the unarmed officials, who were injured but managed to flee the scene.
The altercation resulted in the arrest and arraignment of nine of Portable’s associates on a five-count charge, which included armed violence, felony, obstruction, assault, and attempted murder.
Each of the associates was granted bail of N5 million, with sureties who are licensed bond agents registered with the state government. The case was adjourned until March 17 for further hearing.
The singer had been evading arrest since February 5, offering various excuses, including claiming to be a “madman” receiving treatment at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Abeokuta.
Portable recently expressed his intention to seek the help of human rights lawyer Femi Falana. He had also previously appealed to President Bola Tinubu for intervention in the case.
via: Information Nigeria
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