Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has been denied bail after his arraignment before a Federal High Court in Ota, Ogun State, over multiple criminal charges.
The singer was arraigned on Monday, facing allegations that include assault and resisting arrest, following his arrest by operatives of the Ogun State Police Command.
Confirming the development, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, told a Punch correspondent that the singer had been remanded after his court appearance.
“Yes, he was arraigned and remanded yesterday,” Babaseyi said on Tuesday.
Portable’s arraignment came days after a viral video surfaced online showing the Zazu crooner shirtless, in handcuffs and tearfully pleading, while seated in what appeared to be a police holding area.
The clip sparked widespread reactions across social media and drew renewed attention to the singer’s long-running controversies.
His arrest followed allegations of assault against actress and skit maker Omobolarinde Akinyanju, popularly known as Ashabi Simple, one of his baby mamas and the mother of two of his children.
According to reports by Vanguard, the prosecution told the court that Portable allegedly attacked Ashabi, alongside police officers and other individuals, at his bar located in the Iyana Ilogbo area on New Year’s Day.
Several other individuals were listed as victims in the charge sheet, following the alleged confrontation at the bar.
The prosecution further accused the singer of stealing a Mercedes-Benz E300, valued at ₦12 million, said to belong to Ileyemi Damilola and linked to car dealer Wally Dex Auto.
Police also alleged that Portable obstructed and assaulted a female police inspector, Ogungbe Olayemi, while she was carrying out her official duties.
During the proceedings, two siblings of Ashabi Simple testified as witnesses to the alleged assault. Ashabi herself, however, was absent from court.
Portable’s legal team applied for bail, but the presiding judge declined, citing a critical absence.
The judge ruled that the allegedly assaulted police officer must be present in court before a decision on the bail application could be taken.
As a result, Portable was remanded in custody, with the bail hearing adjourned till January 19.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has ordered an investigation into a separate viral video allegedly showing the singer being assaulted while in custody.
The police said the investigation would determine the authenticity of the clip and establish whether any misconduct occurred during Portable’s detention.
As the case continues, attention remains firmly on the court, with many awaiting the next hearing to see whether the embattled singer will regain his freedom or remain behind bars.