The police have declared singer Portable wanted for allegedly assaulting officials from the Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority (OGPDPA).
The incident occurred on February 5, when the officials attempted to seal Portable’s bar due to a lack of approved permits and insufficient air space.
Portable allegedly led a gang in a violent attack on the unarmed officials, who sustained injuries but managed to escape.
The altercation led to the arrest and arraignment of nine of Portable’s associates on a five-count charge, including armed violence, felony, obstruction, assault, and intent to kill.
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 a statement issued on Monday, Omolola Odutola, the Ogun police command’s spokesperson, said several formal invitations were sent to Portable, demanding his presence at the state police command headquarters in Abeokuta.
Odutola said the ‘Zazoo Zeh’ hitmaker however “deliberately ignored the invitation” without offering any legal representation.
The statement said a court order was obtained to declare Portable wanted due to his “repeated evasion”.
The police urged the public to provide any information about Portable’s whereabouts, warning that anyone found aiding or harboring him will face legal consequences.
“Multiple formal invitations were sent to him, requesting his presence at the Ogun State Police Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta, which he deliberately ignored without cause or legal representation,” the statement reads.
“Following his repeated evasion, the Ogun State Police Command has obtained a valid court order declaring him wanted.
“Members of the public are strongly advised to assist the Police by providing any valuable information that can lead to his immediate arrest. Anyone found aiding or harbouring the suspect will face legal consequences.
“For any relevant information, kindly report to the nearest police station or contact the Ogun State Police Command through its official communication channels or police public relations department.”
Portable recently sought the assistance of Femi Falana, the human rights lawyer.
He had earlier pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the matter. He also asked Ogun governor Dapo Abiodun to forgive him.
