Controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has avoided a three-month jail sentence by paying a ₦30,000 fine following his conviction for assault by a Magistrate Court in Ifo, Ogun State.
The ruling, delivered on Tuesday by Chief Magistrate Babajide Ilo, found the singer guilty on two counts related to a 2022 assault case involving one Osimosu Emmanuel Oluwafemi. Portable was sentenced to one month in prison with a ₦10,000 fine on the first count of conspiracy to assault, and two months in prison with a ₦20,000 fine for unlawful assault. The singer opted to pay the fines rather than serve the jail term.
The court, however, did not convict him on the charge of theft, which alleged he stole music equipment including a Yamaha H55 monitor, interface cables, and an AKG P420 microphone.
According to Police Prosecutor, Inspector Olumide Awoleke, the incident occurred on November 18, 2022, in the Okeosa, Ilogbo area within the Ifo Magisterial District. Portable, along with accomplices still at large, was accused of physically assaulting the victim.
Portable was first arraigned in April 2023 under charge number MIF/192C/2023 and granted bail of ₦300,000 with two family sureties. However, his continued absence from court sessions led to his remand last week until his reappearance on Tuesday.
With the ₦30,000 fine now paid, the singer walks free, though the case has once again drawn public attention to his turbulent legal history and controversial persona.
