The case against Portable has been adjourned to March 26, 2025, as the prosecution seeks to merge his charges with those of his workers
[dropcap]A[/dropcap]n Abeokuta Magistrate’s Court has adjourned the case of popular musician Habeeb Okikiola, known as Portable, to March 26, 2025.
Also read: Singer Portable arraigned for assault on government officials, granted bail
This adjournment is to allow the prosecution to merge his charges with those of his workers.
The case resumed on Wednesday, following Portable’s earlier arraignment on February 20, 2025. At the hearing, the prosecution argued that it would be inefficient for the court to hear the case of the musician separately from those of his workers.
Mr. Timileyin Oredein, Senior State Counsel, informed the court that Portable’s case had a “sister case” involving nine of his workers, which needed to be merged before the trial could proceed.
Oredein emphasized that the defendants had been arraigned together on similar charges, and trying them separately would be a waste of the court’s time. He requested the court to set a short date for the merging and substitution of the charges.
Portable, alongside his workers, was initially arraigned on February 6, 2025, on a five-count charge. The charges include conspiracy, assault, unlawful obstruction while armed with cutlasses and a gun, and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.
The defendants were also accused of assaulting three officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
Also read: Singer Portable arraigned in Ogun high court over assault case
With the case now adjourned to March 26, 2025, the court will decide on the merging of the charges before proceeding with the trial.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
