Assault/Stealing: Popular Singer, Portable, Arraigned, Granted Bail

James Sowole in Abeokuta

An Ogun State Chief Magistrate Court, sitting in Ifo, headquarters  of Ifo Local Government, Monday ordered that popular singer, Habeeb Okikiola, also known as Portable be remanded at the facility of Ilaro Correctional Center pending the time he meets his bail requirements.

The  “Zazu Zeh” crooner was standing trial in suit number: 1192/C/2023 on a 5-count charge bordering on assault and stealing before a Chief Magistrate Court in Ifo, presided over by Chief Magistrate Aliyu Soneye.

The accused, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, was however, admitted to bail conditions of N300,000 and N500,000 with two sureties each in the first and second count charge.

Appearing before the court Monday in Ifo, the police prosecutor, Inspector O Awolana, told the court that the accused had on 18th November, 2022 conspired with others now at large to “unlawfully assault” one Osimosu Emmanuel Oluwafemi, thereby, committing an offence contrary to section 351 of the Criminal Code of Ogun State.

Okikiola was also accused of stealing some musical gadgets that included: Yamaha H55 Studio Monitor; Complete Studio 2 Interface Connection Cable, as well as AKG P420 Condenser among others.

In another charge sheet bearing the same Suit number: 1192/C/2023, the police prosecutor further informed the court that the 28 – year old Musician on the 28th of March, 2023, resisted arrest and consequently inflicted physical injuries on three police operatives who were at his premises to effect his arrest, an offence contrary to Section 517 of the Criminal Code of Ogun State. 

Ruling on application for his bail, Chief Magistrate Soneye said the offences were bailable and consequently admitted Okikiola to bail with bond of N300,000 and two sureties who must reside within the jurisdiction of the court.

On the allegation of assault and stealing, he  was admitted to a bail of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

While ruling that the defendant be transferred to the Ilaro Correctional Centre pending the perfection of his bail, Soneye adjourned  till April 26 for the commencement of trial.