Habeeb Okikiola, also known as Portable, a controversial artist and Zaazoo ze crooner, has been charged in Abeokuta Magistrate Court for assaulting government officials.
The singer was charged with five counts before the Isabo Magistrate Court in Abeokuta.
Portable surrendered himself to the Criminal Investigations Department (SCID), Lagos Command, on Wednesday after being declared wanted by the Ogun Command.
He was later moved to the Ogun Command’s headquarters, Eleweran in Abeokuta, the state capital.
The singer was charged with five counts before the Isabo Magistrate Court in Abeokuta. The charges include conspiracy, assault, and restriction, as well as being armed with cutlasses and weapons and engaging in conduct that could endanger others.
He pleaded not guilty to all allegations. His nine associates were charged with similar offences before Magistrate O.L Oke.
The nine suspects are: Nurudeen Warris,21, Adetola Alashe, 25, Samuel Adeleke, 28, Oluwaseun Ayenuwa, 19, Oluwapelumi Adeosun, 20, Gospel Kanu,20, Precious Ohiegebo, 19, Ifeoluwa Babatunde, 27, and Fatimo Muhammed, 26.
The defendants and Portable allegedly assaulted three town planning officers while they were executing their legitimate duties at Odogwu Bar, which is owned by Portable, a prominent hip-hop musician.
They allegedly assaulted, hindered, and impeded Abidemi Onabanjo, Ramon Lateef, and Akinpelumi Oyero, who are town planners.
After pleading not guilty to the charges, his counsel, Oluwatoyin Ayodele, urged the court to grant him bail.
Ayodele assured the court that the suspect “is now remorseful and has learnt his lessons.”
Magistrate O L Oke granted ₦2m bail with one surety in the like sum. He adjourned the case till March 5 for trial.