Controversial Nigerian street-hop artist, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has been convicted by an Ogun State Chief Magistrate Court in Ifo Local Government Area. The court sentenced him to three months imprisonment for assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest, with an option to pay a ₦30,000 fine.
Details of the Conviction
Chief Magistrate Babajide Ilo delivered the judgment on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Portable was found guilty on two counts: conspiracy to commit assault and unlawful assault. He was sentenced to one month in prison with an option of a ₦10,000 fine for the first count, and two months in prison with an option of a ₦20,000 fine for the second count. The third count, related to the alleged theft of musical equipment, was dismissed due to insufficient evidence.
Background of the Case
The charges against Portable stem from an incident on November 18, 2022, in the Okeosa, Ilogbo area of the Ifo Magisterial District. According to the Police Prosecutor, Inspector Olumide Awoleke, Portable physically assaulted Police Inspector Osimosu Emmanuel Oluwafemi and obstructed officers attempting to serve him an arrest warrant. The charge sheet indicated that Portable and others conspired to commit felony, specifically assault, contrary to Section 517 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State 2006.
In addition to the assault charges, Portable was accused of stealing musical equipment, including a Yamaha H55 studio monitor, a Studio 2 interface connection cable, and an AKG P420 condenser microphone. However, the court dismissed the theft charge due to lack of sufficient evidence.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Portable was initially arraigned in April 2023 on a three-count charge related to assault and theft. He was granted bail in the sum of ₦300,000, with two sureties from his immediate family. However, he failed to attend several court hearings, leading to his remand in custody.
During the final hearing, Chief Magistrate Babajide Ilo found Portable guilty of the first two counts. The court sentenced him to one month in prison with an option of a ₦10,000 fine for conspiracy to commit assault, and two months in prison with an option of a ₦20,000 fine for unlawful assault. The sentences are to run consecutively, totaling three months imprisonment. However, Portable opted to pay the ₦30,000 fine, thereby avoiding jail time.
Portable's Reaction
Following the court's decision, Portable took to social media to express his relief and intentions to avoid future trouble. In a video posted on Instagram, he was seen holding a traditional charm and praying in Yoruba, seeking peace and financial stability. He stated, "I no want wahala again. I just want money, make money dey come."
Public Response
The court's verdict and Portable's subsequent reaction have elicited mixed responses from the public. While some fans expressed support for the singer's decision to avoid jail time, others criticized the leniency of the sentence and questioned the effectiveness of the justice system in deterring such behavior.
Legal Implications
Portable's conviction serves as a reminder of the legal consequences of assaulting law enforcement officers and resisting arrest. Under the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, such offenses are punishable by imprisonment and/or fines. The court's decision to offer a fine option reflects the discretionary powers vested in magistrates to impose sentences that consider the circumstances of each case.
Conclusion
Portable's recent conviction and sentencing highlight the importance of adhering to the rule of law and respecting law enforcement authorities. As the singer continues his career, it remains to be seen whether this experience will influence his behavior and public image moving forward.
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