Controversial Nigerian singer, Portable has pleaded with the Ogun State government to release his associates who were arrested for allegedly assaulting officers of the Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority (OGPDPA).
TheNewsGuru reports that Portable’s associates, following their arrest, were arraigned on Thursday before a Magistrates’ Court in Isabo, Abeokuta, over the alleged assault on government officials.
The defendants—Nurudeen Warris, 21; Adetola Alashe, 25; Samuel Adeleke, 28; Oluwaseun Ayenuwa, 19; Oluwapelumi Adeosun, 20; Gospel Kanu, 20; Precious Ohiegebo, 19; Ifeoluwa Babatunde, 27; and Fatimo Muhammed, 26—faced five charges, including felony, assault and possession of weapons.
This comes after the singer’s associates assaulted OGPDPA officials who visited Portable’s Odogwu bar and restaurant to seal the property due to a lack of approved permits and insufficient air space.
Accorrding to Portable, the govt officials stormed his bar, arrested over 20 people, including artistes and customers, and seized vehicles, gadgets, and personal belongings.
They were granted bail of N5 million each with sureties who are licensed bond agents registered with the state government.
The case was adjourned until March 17 for further hearing.
In an Instagram post on Saturday, Portable pleaded with the Ogun state government to release his associates, arguing that they are his apprentices learning trades.
Portable, who appeared to be speaking from hiding, denied the accusations of assault, calling them “lies,” and challenged the Ogun officers to provide video evidence of the alleged assault.
The singer added that he’s being “targeted and set-up by some certain individuals”.
The ‘Zazoo Zeh’ hitmaker’s plea was accompanied by a desperate warning, saying he was contemplating taking his own life due to the overwhelming stress and frustration caused by the situation.
“I am from an humble background. I am not fighting with anybody till you set me up. Although you get money by looking for trouble but I did not fight no one,” he said in a mixture of pidgin English and Yoruba.
“They came to the house I am just building and you took my boys. There kids I am taking care of. We have apprentices among them learning different trades.
“They lied against us. My glory will kill my enemy. The house they sealed was the land from which I exhumed my mother’s corpse who died when I was 13 years old. I later built a mansion on the land. The issue of canceling my house is a different case entirely.
“They should provide evidence of where I was assaulting the officers. Those children cannot harm anyone. They are learning trades. I am helping those children. Did they find Indian hemp with me?
“I am begging you in God’s name. Help me release those boys. I am already in deep thought. I must not commit suicide. I did not do anything. You cannot kill me.”