The controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, is reportedly on the run after the police in Ogun State raided his restaurant and arrested nine of his proteges.

The suspects were brought before the Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, February 6, 2025. They are accused of assaulting officials from the Ota Zonal Planning office of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

The nine suspects have been identified as 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.

They face a five-count charge including felony, assault, obstruction, armed violence with cutlasses and guns, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, and intent to kill. The defendants pleaded not guilty.

Police Prosecutor, Sunday Ekong, informed the court that the alleged offences occurred on Wednesday around 10:00 am at Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu, Sango-Ota, in the Ado-Odo/Ota local government area of Ogun State.

According to Ekong, the suspects, along with Portable who is currently at large, assaulted, restricted, and obstructed town planners Abidemi Onabanjo, Ramon Lateef, and Akinpelumi Oyero while they were carrying out their lawful duties at Odogwu Bar, owned by Portable.

The prosecutor claimed that the defendants and Portable were armed with dangerous weapons and behaved in a manner likely to incite public disorder, with the intention to harm the town planning officers.

Magistrate Mrs. O.M. Somefun granted bail to the defendants in the amount of N5 million each, with sureties who are licensed bond agents registered with the Ogun State government. The case was adjourned until March 17 for further proceedings.

The incident started when officials attempted to seal an uncompleted building and hotel belonging to Portable due to illegal development without the necessary permits.

On social media, Portable expressed his frustration over the property being sealed. He criticised the authorities for confiscating over 20 artistes, customers, cars, bikes, and phones from his establishment.

The singer accused the Lagos State government of targeting his business despite his efforts to help the community, including providing streetlights and repairing roads. He lamented, “Why will they do that to my property that I am using to feed my family?”

Portable further said, “They packed everybody, took more than 20 people, both artists and customers, and confiscated cars, bikes, and people’s phones. Why? Government should please look into this. I am using this place to book events and shows, not just to sell drinks. I’m promoting people and helping the community. Why attack me, especially when I’ve been helping with streetlights and road repairs?”
He concluded, “God is greater than them.”