OGUN STATE – Controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb
Olalomi Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has been sentenced to three
months’ imprisonment by a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ifo, Ogun State, over
charges of assault and theft of musical instruments.
The ruling, delivered by Chief Magistrate Babajide
Ilo, follows Portable’s arraignment on a three-count charge filed in April 2023
under Charge Sheet No. MIF/192C/2023.
Background of the Case
According to the prosecution, the charges stem from an incident that occurred
on November 18, 2022, at approximately 11:00 am in Okeosa, Ilogbo, within the
jurisdiction of the Ifo Magisterial District. The Police Prosecutor, Inspector
Olumide Awoleke, told the court that the singer had assaulted an individual and
made away with music equipment during the altercation.
After his initial arraignment, Portable was granted
bail set at N300,000, with two sureties drawn from his immediate family.
However, his legal woes worsened when he failed to attend multiple court
sittings, prompting the court to issue a remand order.
Court’s Ruling and Sentencing
Last Thursday, the singer finally appeared before the court after being
remanded. Delivering judgment, Magistrate Ilo found him guilty on Counts 1 and
2 of the charge.
For Count 1, Portable was sentenced to one month’s
imprisonment, with an option of N10,000 fine.
For Count 2, he received two months’ imprisonment,
with an option of N20,000 fine.
He was acquitted on the third count.
The sentences are to run concurrently, meaning
Portable will serve a maximum of two months if he opts not to pay the fines.
A Recurring Public Controversy
Portable, known as much for his music as his erratic behavior and frequent
clashes with law enforcement, has remained a polarizing figure in Nigerian pop
culture. His legal troubles and public outbursts have often overshadowed his
musical career.
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