An Abeokuta Magistrate’s Court in Ogun State has deferred a case involving singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, and his team until March 26, 2025.
This decision comes as the court considers a request to merge the charges against the musician with those previously filed against his nine workers.
Senior State Counsel Timilehin Oredein explained that combining the cases would streamline the proceedings, as both Portable and his team face nearly identical allegations.
The defendants are accused of engaging in actions that include conspiracy, assault, and obstructing justice while allegedly armed with cutlasses and a firearm. Their conduct is claimed to have jeopardised public peace and involved the assault of three officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
The prosecution argued that separate trials would be inefficient and unnecessarily prolong the judicial process. With Portable initially arraigned on February 20 and his workers on February 6, merging the cases is seen as a practical measure to address the interconnected nature of the charges.
The court’s next hearing on March 26 will determine whether the charges can be formally consolidated, paving the way for a unified trial.
