- Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, known as Portable, has avoided a 3-month jail sentence by paying a court-imposed fine of ₦30,000 in an assault case.
- The artist was sentenced to three months in prison by a Magistrate Court in Ifo, Ogun State, with the option of a fine.
Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has avoided a three-month prison sentence after paying a ₦30,000 court-imposed fine in connection with an assault case.
On Tuesday, a Magistrate Court in Ifo, Ogun State, presided over by Chief Magistrate Babajide Ilo, sentenced the singer to three months in jail, offering an alternative fine. Portable was found guilty on two charges stemming from a physical altercation that occurred in 2022.
According to Police Prosecutor Inspector Olumide Awoleke, the incident took place on November 18, 2022, around 11:00 a.m. in the Okeosa, Ilogbo area within the Ifo Magisterial District. Portable, along with accomplices still at large, was accused of assaulting one Osimosu Emmanuel Oluwafemi.
The charge sheet alleged that the artist not only assaulted the victim but also stole studio equipment, including a Yamaha H55 monitor, interface cables, and an AKG P420 microphone. However, the court only found him guilty of conspiracy to assault and unlawful assault.
He was sentenced to one month in prison with a ₦10,000 fine on the first count, and two months in prison with a ₦20,000 fine on the second. Portable had initially been arraigned in April 2023 under charge number MIF/192C/2023 and granted bail of ₦300,000 with two family sureties.
Following his failure to appear in court for scheduled hearings, he was recently remanded in custody. At his latest appearance on Tuesday, the singer opted to pay the ₦30,000 fine in lieu of serving jail time.
