A magistrate’s court in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has postponed the trial of singer Habeeb ‘Portable’ Okikiola, who is facing assault charges.
The case, initially set for hearing on Wednesday, March 5, has now been rescheduled to 26 March.
Portable, known for his hit song Zazzuh Zeh, was taken to court after he turned himself in at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Eleweran, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
News About Nigeria reports that had been declared wanted over allegations of attacking officials from the Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority.
Following his surrender, the court granted him bail of N2 million with a surety in the same amount.
During the latest hearing, the prosecution argued that trying Portable separately from his associates would be a waste of judicial resources.
The Ogun State Police had earlier charged nine of his team members with similar offenses, and they were granted bail set at N5 million each.
The court agreed to delay the proceedings so the charges against Portable and his associates could be combined.
Meanwhile, shortly after securing bail, Portable announced his upcoming EP, Ogo Most Wanted.
In the project, he reportedly addresses his legal battles.
Speaking in an interview, the singer stated that he has no issues with the authorities and considers himself a “government child.”
In other news, the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has reacted to the chieftaincy title given to Portable.
The Olu of Itori, Oba Abdulfatai Akamo, had recently conferred the title of “King of Street” on the controversial artiste.
Oba Akinyemi, in a letter addressed to the public, described the title as unusual and not recognized in Yoruba traditional institutions.
He urged the Olu of Itori to withdraw the title, warning that it could create confusion.
According to him, the title should have been limited to Itori instead of making it seem like Portable holds influence over all streets in Ogun State.
He also questioned the decision to honour the singer, considering that Portable is currently facing trial at an Ogun State High Court over an alleged assault on government officials.
He argued that conferring such a title on someone with an ongoing legal case was not appropriate.
The traditional ruler further stated that rather than giving the musician a title, efforts should be made to guide him toward a better lifestyle.
