Portable Declared Wanted as Ogun Government Arraigns Nine Associates for Assault
The Ogun State Government has arraigned nine associates of controversial singer Portable over an alleged attack on government officials, while the musician himself remains on the run.
The suspects appeared before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, facing charges of armed violence, obstruction, assault, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
The accused, identified as Oluwaseun Ayenuwa (19), Precious Ohiegebo (19), Oluwapelumi Adeosun (20), Gospel Kanu (20), Nurudeen Warris (21), Adetola Alashe (25), Fatimo Muhammed (26), Ifeoluwa Babatunde (27), and Samuel Adeleke (28), allegedly attacked officials from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
According to police prosecutor Sunday Ekong, the incident occurred around 10:00 am on Wednesday at Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu, Sango-Ota, within the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area. He told the court that Portable, who remains at large, and his associates obstructed and assaulted town planners Ramon Lateef, Akinpelumi Oyero, and Abidemi Onabanjo while they were carrying out their duties at Odogwu Bar, a business owned by the singer.
The suspects were accused of using dangerous weapons, including cutlasses and guns, and acting with the intent to kill. Their actions reportedly violated sections 516, 356(3), 80, 249(d), and 320 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.
Although the defendants pleaded not guilty, Magistrate O.M. Somefun granted them bail at N5 million each, with sureties who must be licensed bond agents registered with the state government. The case was adjourned until March 17 for further hearing.
The dispute allegedly began when government officials sealed off Portable’s uncompleted hotel and other structures due to lack of necessary building permits. The singer had previously accused the officials of harassing his customers and vandalizing his bar.
