Portable on the run as Ogun govt arraigns his associates for assaulting officials

Controversial Nigerian musician, Portable, is allegedly evading authorities as the Ogun State Government has initiated legal proceedings against nine of his associates for the alleged assault of government officials.

The protégés of the singer were presented before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

The Ogun State Police Command has charged the individuals with the assault of officials from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

The individuals, 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, have been arraigned on multiple counts including armed violence with cutlasses and firearms, felony, obstruction of justice, assault, conduct likely to incite a breach of peace, and intent to kill.

Nevertheless, the defendants entered a plea of not guilty to all charges presented against them.

Police Prosecutor Sunday Ekong informed the court that the defendants perpetrated the alleged offenses in conjunction with Portable at approximately 10:00 am on Wednesday in Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu, Sango-Ota, located within the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.

Ekong elucidated that the musician, currently evading capture, unlawfully restricted, obstructed, and assaulted municipal planners Ramon Lateef, Akinpelumi Oyero, and Abidemi Onabanjo while they were fulfilling their official responsibilities at Odogwu Bar, an establishment owned by Portable.

The prosecutor emphasized that the defendants were in possession of lethal weapons and harbored the intent to eliminate the officers.

The charges contravene sections 516, 356(3), 80, 249(d), and 320 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.

In her adjudication, Justice O.M. Somefun granted bail to the defendants in the amount of N5 million each, contingent upon the provision of sureties who are duly licensed bond agents registered with the state government.

The proceedings have been adjourned until March 17 for further hearing.

The incident is reported to have originated from the ministry’s action of sealing Portable’s incomplete hotel and construction due to illegal development undertaken without the requisite permits.

CREEBHILLS recalls that the musician had publicly denounced the government officials for detaining his patrons and for vandalizing his establishment.