Controversial Nigerian singer, Portable, is reportedly on the run as the Ogun State Government arraigned nine of his associates for assaulting officials.
The singer's proteges were arraigned on Thursday before an Abeokuta Magistrates' Court.
The Ogun State Police Command accused the suspects of assaulting government officials from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
The suspects, identified as Oluwaseun Ayenuwa, 19; Precious Ohiegebo, 19; Oluwapelumi Adeosun, 20; Gospel Kanu, 20; Nurudeen Warris, 21; Adetola Alashe, 25; Fatimo Muhammed, 26; Ifeoluwa Babatunde, 27; and Samuel Adeleke, 28, were arraigned on a five-count charge of armed violence with cutlasses and guns, felony, obstruction, assault, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, and intent to kill.
However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Police Prosecutor Sunday Ekong told the court that the defendants committed the offences alongside Portable around 10:00 am on Wednesday at Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu, Sango-Ota, in the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.
Ekong explained that the singer, who is currently at large, unlawfully restricted, obstructed, and assaulted town planners Ramon Lateef, Akinpelumi Oyero, and Abidemi Onabanjo while they were performing their lawful duties at Odogwu Bar, a business owned by Portable.
The prosecutor noted that the defendants were armed with dangerous weapons and had the intent to kill the officers.
The charges violated sections 516, 356(3), 80, 249(d), and 320 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.
In her ruling, Justice O.M. Somefun granted the defendants bail in the sum of N5 million each, with sureties who are licensed bond agents registered with the state government.
The case was further adjourned until March 17 for hearing.
The incident reportedly stemmed from the sealing of Portable's uncompleted hotel and building by the ministry over illegal development without necessary permits.
We recall that the singer had called out the government officers for arresting his customers and vandalizing his bar.
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