By Amofokhai Williams
Controversial singer Portable was on Tuesday arraigned before the Federal High Court in Ota, Ogun State, over a nine-count criminal charge bordering on assault, theft, causing harm and resisting arrest.
The Ogun State Police Command, through its spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the charges, saying the arraignment followed a viral video that emerged on Sunday showing the artiste in police custody.
The case is reportedly linked to a complaint filed by his estranged partner, Ashabi Simple.
Prosecutors told the court that the singer allegedly attacked Ashabi, police officers and other individuals at his bar in the Iyana Ilogbo area on New Year’s Day.
Those listed as additional alleged victims include Ileyemi Damilola, Akinyanju Oluwabusayomi, Olowu Olumide, Demilade Ogunniyi and Ebuka Odah.
The prosecution further accused the artiste of stealing a Mercedes-Benz E300 valued at ₦12 million from a car dealer identified as Wally Dex Auto, claiming the vehicle belonged to Ileyemi Damilola.
During proceedings, two siblings of Ashabi Simple testified as witnesses to the alleged assault, although she was not present in court.
The police also alleged that the singer obstructed and assaulted a female police inspector, Ogungbe Olayemi, while she was performing her official duties.
The presiding judge declined to grant bail, citing the absence of the allegedly assaulted police officer in court.
The judge ruled that the officer must be produced before any consideration of bail, and consequently ordered the singer’s remand in custody until January 19 for a fresh hearing.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has ordered an investigation into a separate viral video showing the singer allegedly being assaulted while in custody.
The latest development adds to the singer’s legal troubles. In May last year, he was convicted by a magistrate court in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State and sentenced to three months’ imprisonment over a 2022 incident in which he was accused of attacking Osimosu Emmanuel Oluwafemi in the Okeosa area of Ilogbo.
He was also alleged to have stolen musical equipment, including a Yamaha H55 studio monitor, a studio interface connection cable and an AKG P420 condenser microphone.
