Ogun State Police Command has declared controversial singer, Habeeb Olalomi, popularly known as Portable, wanted over a case of alleged violent attack on government officials who were carrying out their lawful duties.
The announcement was made on Monday by the spokesperson of the police command, Omolola Odutola.
She said the alleged attack was carried out on February 5, 2025, at about 10:00 a.m. when three officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Ota Zonal Office were conducting an enforcement exercise at Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu Ota.
The officials are TPL Onabanjo Abidemi, TPL Raymond Lateef, and TPL Ridwan Oyero Akinlesi.
She said when the officials got to Odogwu Bar, a property linked to Portable, they met an elderly man who was later identified as Portable’s father.
After introducing themselves, they were said to have asked for the approved building plan, but Portable’s father said his son was not available.
The police spokesperson said shortly after, however, Portable, armed with a firearm and other dangerous weapons, led a gang of nine thugs in an attack on the unarmed officials.
The enforcement officers were reported to have sustained various injuries as a result of the attack, but managed to escape and reported the assault to the Ota Area Command, which passed the to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further action.
Nine of Portable’s accomplices were arrested, while the singer escaped and went into hiding since then.
The police spokesperson said despite several invitations to Portable to show up at the Ogun State Police Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta, he did not not show up.
It was in the light of his refusal to appear that “the Ogun State Police Command has obtained a valid court order declaring him wanted.”
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The police therefore called on members of the public to assist with information regarding the whereabouts of Portable.
The police said relevant information should be sent to the nearest police station or sent through Ogun State Police Command official communication channels.
The statement reads in part: “Members of the public are strongly advised to provide any valuable information that can lead to his immediate arrest. Anyone found aiding or harbouring the suspect will face legal consequences.”
Recall that the police arraigned nine of Portable’s associates before a Magistrate Court in Isabo, Abeokuta, for allegedly assaulting officers of the Ota Zonal Planning Office of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
Those arraigned are 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).
They were charged with felony, assault, unlawful restriction, possession of weapons, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
They all pleaded not guilty and were granted N5m bail each with sureties in like sum.
The magistrate said the sureties must be licensed bondsmen registered with the Ogun State Government.
The case was adjourned until March 17, 2025, for hearing.