Olayiwola Matthew
The Isabo Magistrate Court in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Thursday, granted bail to singer, Habeeb Okikiola Olalomi, aka Portable.
The court set the bail at N2 million with one surety in the like.
The magistrate, O.L. Oke, gave the order in a ruling on the singer’s bail application moved by his lawyer, Oluwatoyin Ayodele, after he pleaded not guilty to five-count charge of conspiracy, assault and restriction, armed with cutlasses and guns, and conduct likely to cause harm.
The singer was declared wanted by the police on February 18 in connection with an alleged assault on three officials from the Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority (OGPDPA).
Portable later surrendered himself to the police in Lagos on Wednesday. He was handed over to the Ogun state police command and presented in court to face charges.
After pleading not guilty, Portable’s counsel, urged the court to grant him bail.
The counsel assured the court that Portable was remorseful and had learned his lesson.
The case was adjourned until March 5 for trial.
The controversy began on February 5 when OGPDPA officials attempted to seal Portable’s bar due to a lack of approved permits and insufficient air space.
However, the singer allegedly assaulted the officials during the process.
The altercation led to the arrest and arraignment of nine of Portable’s associates on a five-count charge, including armed violence, felony, obstruction, assault, and intent to kill.
They were granted bail of N5 million each with sureties who are licensed bond agents registered with the state government.