By Capital Watch Media
An Abeokuta Magistrate’s Court has adjourned the case involving popular musician Habeeb Okikiola, known as Portable, to March 26, 2025, to allow the prosecution to merge his charges with those of his workers.
The case resumed on Wednesday following Portable’s earlier arraignment on February 20.
During the hearing, the prosecution requested the court’s permission to combine the cases for efficiency.
“It would be a waste of the court’s time to hear the case of Portable and that of his workers separately,” said Senior State Counsel Timileyin Oredein.
Oredein informed the court that Portable’s case is closely linked to a “sister case” involving nine of his workers, who were arraigned on February 6, on similar charges.
He emphasised the need for a joint trial, stating, “It would be time-wasting if the defendants were tried separately.”
The court agreed to the prosecution’s request and scheduled a short adjournment to allow the charges to be merged and substituted before the trial begins.
Portable and his workers face a five-count charge, including conspiracy, assault, unlawful obstruction while armed with cutlasses and a gun, and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.
The group is also accused of assaulting three officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
The court’s decision to adjourn aims to streamline the legal process and avoid repetitive hearings on related allegations.
As the case progresses, both the prosecution and defence are expected to prepare for the merged trial set for later this month.
