Controversial Nigerian hip-hop artist Habeeb Okikiola, widely known as Portable, has been sentenced to three months’ imprisonment by a Magistrate Court in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State. The sentence, delivered on Tuesday, comes with an option of a N30,000 fine.
Portable was initially arraigned before the same court in April 2023 on a three-count charge, including assault and theft of a musical instrument, under charge sheet No. MIF/192C/2023. He was previously granted bail in the sum of N300,000 with two sureties from his immediate family.
However, the singer reportedly failed to appear in court on several occasions, leading to his re-arrest last Thursday and subsequent remand in the state Correctional Service. He was brought back before the Magistrate on Tuesday for the judgment in the assault case.
The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Olumide Awoleke, had informed the court that the offense occurred on November 18, 2022, at approximately 11:00 am in Okeosa, Ilogbo, within the Ifo Magisterial District.
The charge sheet detailed that Portable, along with others currently at large, conspired to commit a felony, specifically assault, which is an offense punishable under Section 517 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.
Furthermore, the charge sheet stated that Portable “unlawfully assaulted one Osimosu Emmanuel Oluwafemi (m), by beating him all over his body,” thereby committing an offense contrary to and punishable under Section 351 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2006.
The sentencing marks the latest in a series of controversies surrounding the “Zazuu Zeh” crooner, who has often been in the news for his outspoken behavior and legal issues. It remains to be seen whether Portable will opt to pay the fine or serve the three-month jail term.
