Portable Withdraws Mental Health Claim in Court

Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has withdrawn his earlier claim of being mentally unstable, saying he is mentally sound in court. This happened on Thursday at Magistrate Court in Isabo, Abeokuta, Ogun State before Magistrate O.L. Oke.

The 31-year-old singer, who is famous for his hit song “Zazoo Zeh”, was declared wanted by Ogun State Police Command on Monday. The declaration was as a result of allegations of assaulting three officials of Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority (OGPDPA) at his bar in Iyana Ilogbo, Ota. Ogun State Government condemned the alleged assault, describing Portable as a “serial troublemaker” who attacks government officials without provocation.

Portable had replied to the allegations by posting a video on Instagram on Tuesday saying he was a psychiatric patient receiving treatment at Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta. In the video, he said, “I fear government. I am a federal government liability. I am a madman; I have medication I take. You can check Aro Hospital. I have a card that confirms I am one of their patients”.

But Ogun State Police Command dismissed his claim. Police spokesperson Omolola Odutola said even if Portable was receiving psychiatric treatment, it wouldn’t exempt him from being a wanted person.

Less than 48 hours after being declared wanted, Portable reported himself to the police and appeared in court on Thursday. During the court session, Magistrate Oke asked him about his mental state, “Are you okay? Are you sure you are mentally sound? If not, we have many psychiatric homes we can send you to”. Portable replied, “I am okay”.

He pleaded not guilty to the five-count charge against him and was granted bail of N2 million with a surety in like sum.