A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in the Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State has sentenced controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, to three months imprisonment for assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest.
The judgment was delivered on Monday following the court’s ruling that the defendant was guilty of the charges brought against him.
Portable was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on assault and obstruction of law enforcement officers in the line of duty.
The court found that the singer had physically attacked a police officer and resisted lawful arrest in an incident that occurred earlier this year.
During the trial, evidence was presented by the prosecution to support claims that Portable acted in a disorderly and violent manner toward the police personnel who had come to effect his arrest on a separate matter.
The defense failed to convince the court that his actions were justified or lawful.
In delivering the judgment, the magistrate sentenced Portable to three months in a correctional facility, but granted him an option of a N30,000 fine, offering him a chance to avoid incarceration if the fine is paid.
The ruling sends a strong signal regarding the consequences of obstructing law enforcement officers and emphasizes the importance of upholding the rule of law.
As of the time of reporting, Portable’s legal team has not disclosed whether the fine has been paid or if any appeal will be filed.
The Nigerian Police Force has since welcomed the judgment as a step forward in ensuring that no individual is above the law.
