Portable Remanded: Singer Denied Bail Over Theft and Assault Charges

The legal troubles of controversial Afrobeats singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, reached a new low on Monday, January 12, 2026, as he was arraigned before a State High Court in Ota, Ogun State. Facing a formidable nine-count criminal charge, the “Zazu” crooner was denied bail by the presiding judge, following a weekend of viral social media drama and police detention. The charges against him paint a picture of a violent New Year’s Day and a high-stakes automotive dispute, further complicating the singer’s already turbulent relationship with the law.

The arraignment stems from two primary incidents that converged in a single police action. The first involves a harrowing allegation of domestic violence filed by his estranged partner and baby mama, actress Ashabi Simple. According to the prosecution, Portable launched an assault on Ashabi on January 1, 2026, at his bar in the Iyana Ilogbo area of Ogun State. The altercation reportedly escalated from a dispute over Ashabi’s marital status into physical violence involving threats with an axe—a claim supported by testimonies from Ashabi’s siblings, though the actress herself was notably absent from the courtroom.

Beyond the domestic dispute, Portable faces a staggering allegation of theft involving a luxury vehicle. The prosecution claims the singer stole a Mercedes-Benz E300, valued at approximately ₦12 million, belonging to a complainant identified as Ileyemi Damilola. The vehicle was reportedly sourced from Wally Dex Auto, a local car dealership. This charge of grand theft, alongside resisting arrest and causing bodily harm, forms the core of a legal battle that could see the singer facing significant prison time if convicted.

The courtroom drama reached its peak when the presiding judge refused to grant the singer bail. The decision was rooted in a specific and serious allegation: an assault on a female police inspector, Ogungbe Olayemi, during the singer’s arrest. The judge insisted on the physical presence of the officer in court to assess the extent of her injuries before any bail application could be considered. This procedural requirement has left Portable in custody, with his next chance for freedom scheduled for a fresh bail hearing on January 19.

Adding a layer of controversy to the case, the Ogun State Police Command has been forced to look inward following the leak of a viral video. The footage appears to show Portable being physically assaulted by security personnel while in handcuffs at a detention facility. While the police have remained firm on the singer’s criminal charges, they have officially condemned the conduct seen in the video. DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed that an internal investigation is underway to identify and discipline the officers involved, stressing that the filming and maltreatment of suspects is a violation of human rights standards.

Portable’s current remand is the latest in a series of legal entanglements for the artist, who spent much of 2025 navigating various court cases across different states. As he remains behind bars, the case serves as a focal point for national discussions on the limits of celebrity influence and the accountability of public figures. With the victimized police officer expected to appear in court next week, the eyes of the entertainment world remain fixed on Ota to see if the “Street-hop” star will finally be allowed to return home or remain a guest of the state.