Ogun police command has arraigned nine associates of Nigerian street singer, Habeeb Okikiola aka Portable for allegedly assaulting officers of Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority (OGPDPA).
Gatekeepers News reports that OGPDPA officials had visited Odogwu bar and restaurant owned by Portable to seal the property due to its lack of approved permits and insufficient air space.
In his defence, Portable who was in hiding on Thursday said the officials stormed his bar, arrested over 20 people, including artists and customers, and seized vehicles, gadgets, and personal belongings.
The state government accused the suspects of assaulting OGPDPA officials.
The suspects are 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.
They were arraigned on a five-count charge of armed violence with cutlasses and guns, felony, obstruction, assault, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, and intent to kill.
The defendants however pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to reports; Portable unlawfully restricted, obstructed, and assaulted town planners Ramon Lateef, Akinpelumi Oyero, and Abidemi Onabanjo while they were performing their lawful duties.
O.M. Somefun, the court magistrate in her ruling, granted the defendants bail of N5 million each, with sureties who are licensed bond agents registered with the state government.
The case was adjourned until March 17 for further hearing.
Portable’s tour of United Kingdom (UK) has also been postponed amid investigation.
