An Ogun State High Court sitting in Ota has declined to grant bail to controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, after he was arraigned on a nine-count charge bordering on assault, theft, causing bodily harm and resisting arrest.
The presiding judge refused the bail application on the grounds that a key prosecution witness — the police officer allegedly assaulted during the incident — was not in court. The judge held that the officer’s presence was required before the court could properly determine the bail request and consequently ordered Portable’s remand in custody. The matter was adjourned to January 19, 2026, for hearing on the bail application.
The charges stem from allegations connected to a New Year’s Day incident at Portable’s bar in the Iyana Ilogbo area of Ogun State. Prosecutors alleged that the singer attacked his estranged partner, actress and skit maker Omobolarinde Akinyanju (Ashabi Simple), alongside police officers and other individuals said to have been at the scene.
In addition to the assault allegations, the prosecution accused Portable of stealing a Mercedes-Benz E300 valued at about ₦12 million, reportedly linked to a car dealer identified as Wally Dex Auto and said to belong to one of the complainants, Ileyemi Damilola.
Court proceedings on Monday also featured testimony from two siblings of Ashabi Simple, who appeared as prosecution witnesses and gave accounts relating to the alleged assault. Ashabi herself was not present in court, according to multiple reports.
Police further alleged that Portable obstructed and assaulted a female police inspector, Ogungbe Olayemi, while she was performing official duties during the same incident — an allegation that forms part of the pending charges.
Separately, the Ogun State Police Command has said it is reviewing a viral video that allegedly shows the singer being assaulted while in custody, amid renewed public scrutiny of police conduct and detainee treatment.
