An Abeokuta Magistrate’s Court has postponed the hearing of the alleged assault case involving popular Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable.
The adjournment aims to allow the prosecution to consolidate his charges with those of his employees.
During the court session on Wednesday, Senior State Counsel Timileyin Oredein requested that the cases of Portable and his workers be merged, arguing that conducting separate trials would be a waste of judicial resources.
Timileyin Oredein reminded the court that the singer and nine of his workers had initially been arraigned on February 6 for similar offenses.
He urged the court to provide a short adjournment period to enable the prosecution to substitute and consolidate the charges before the trial proceeds.
The charges against Portable and his workers include conspiracy, assault, unlawful obstruction while in possession of cutlasses and a firearm, and conduct capable of inciting public disturbance.
Additionally, they were accused of assaulting three officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
The court subsequently granted the prosecution’s request, scheduling the next hearing for March 26.
