Portable's Court Case Delayed for Joint Trial with Employees

 The legal proceedings involving Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, widely known as Portable, have been adjourned until March 26th. This postponement, ordered by an Abeokuta Magistrate’s Court, is to facilitate the merging of his charges with those faced by his employees.

During the court session on Wednesday, the prosecution argued that a separate trial for Portable would be an inefficient use of the court's time. Mr. Timileyin Oredein, a Senior State Counsel, explained to the court that Portable's case is intrinsically linked to another ongoing case, necessitating a unified trial before substantive proceedings can commence.

He further pointed out that Portable and nine of his associates were initially arraigned on February 6th on similar charges. Oredein asserted that conducting separate trials for the defendants would result in unnecessary delays and duplication of efforts. Therefore, he requested the court to promptly schedule a date for the consolidation and amendment of the charges.

Portable and his employees are facing five counts, including conspiracy, assault, and unlawful obstruction while armed with dangerous weapons such as cutlasses and a firearm. They are also accused of engaging in conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace. Additionally, they are charged with allegedly assaulting three officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

In his previous court appearance, Portable entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. He was subsequently granted bail in the sum of N2 million, with a condition stipulating that he refrain from discussing the case or any related matters on social media.