The Ogun State Police on Thursday arraigned nine protégés of popular singer Habeeb Okikiola, known as Portable, before a Magistrates’ Court in Isabo, Abeokuta.
They were charged with allegedly assaulting officers from the Ota Zonal Planning office of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
Those arraigned include 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 were arraigned on five counts, including felony, assault, and restriction.
They were also accused of being armed with cutlasses and guns, engaging in conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, and having the intent to kill.
However, they entered a not guilty plea to the allegations that were brought against them.
Sunday Ekong, the Police Prosecutor, told the court that the defendants committed the offences on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at Oke-Osa in Tigbo Ilu, Sango-Ota, Ogun State.
Ekong equally said, “The defendants and Portable, who is at large, unlawfully assaulted, restricted and obstructed one Abidemi Onabanjo, Ramon Lateef, and Akinpelumi Oyero, who are town planners.
“The defendants and Portable assaulted the three town planning officers while performing their lawful duties at the Odogwu Bar being owned by Portable, a popular hip-pop musician.”
He went on to say that the accused and the musician were armed with dangerous weapons.
Ekong further stated that the defendants acted in a way that could disrupt public peace and had the intent to harm the town planning officers.
He then stated that the acts committed violated Sections 516, 356(3), 80, 249(d), and 320 of the Criminal Code laws of Ogun 2006.
In her ruling, Magistrate Mrs. O.M. Somefun granted the defendants bail in the amount of N5 million each, with sureties who are licensed bondsmen registered with the Ogun State Government.
She subsequently postponed the case to March 17, for a hearing.
The artiste had voiced his frustration after the Ogun State Government shut down his incomplete building and hotel.
A letter shared on the singer’s social media page stated that the government’s action was prompted by the alleged illegal development carried out without an approved permit.
Portable claimed that the government’s raid led to the arrest of more than 20 people, including artistes, customers, and individuals who had come to seek his assistance.
He also alleged that the authorities confiscated cars, bikes, and phones during the raid.
The singer stated that he was using the building to host events and shows, rather than solely for selling drinks.