Popular and controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, widely known as Portable, has successfully avoided a three-month jail sentence after opting to pay a court-imposed fine totaling ₦30,000. This development came as a result of a court ruling connected to a physical assault case that dated back to November 2022.
The ruling was delivered by Chief Magistrate Babajide Ilo at the Ifo Magistrate Court in Ogun State. During the Tuesday session, the court found Portable guilty of two out of several charges brought against him, which included conspiracy to assault and unlawful assault. The singer was sentenced to one month in prison with an alternative of paying a ₦10,000 fine on the first count, and two months in prison with an option of ₦20,000 fine on the second count.
In total, the Zazuu crooner was required to pay ₦30,000 to avoid the full three-month custodial sentence. The charges stemmed from a confrontation that occurred on November 18, 2022, around 11:00 a.m. in the Okeosa, Ilogbo area, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Ifo Magistrate District. During the incident, Portable, alongside others who are currently at large, reportedly assaulted one Osimosu Emmanuel Oluwafemi.
According to Police Prosecutor Inspector Olumide Awoleke, the attack was not only physical but also involved the alleged theft of studio equipment. The stolen items reportedly included a Yamaha H55 monitor, interface cables, and a high-end AKG P420 condenser microphone.
Although Portable was arraigned in April 2023 under charge number MIF/192C/2023, he was granted bail set at ₦300,000 with two sureties from his family. However, his failure to appear for subsequent court proceedings led to his temporary remand in custody just last week.
Following his reappearance in court on Tuesday, the singer quickly moved to avoid imprisonment by settling the total fine of ₦30,000. With the payment made, Portable was spared from serving time in prison, thereby concluding this chapter of his legal battle—at least for now.