Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, made a sharp U-turn on Thursday, declaring himself mentally stable and healthy in court.
Portable appeared before Magistrate O.L Oke at the Magistrate Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, Ogun State. This comes after the Ogun State police command declared him wanted on Monday for allegedly assaulting three officials from the Ogun Planning and Development Permit Authority (OGPDPA).
Following the police declaration, Portable had posted a video on Instagram on Tuesday, claiming he was a mentally ill patient receiving treatment at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta. In the video, he said, “I fear government. I am a federal government liability. I’m a madman; I have medications that I usually take. You can confirm from Aro Hospital. I have a card that certifies me as one of their patients. I am from Abeokuta, and they are taking care of me there. I am not a thief; I help people around me without even looking at their background.”
Reacting to his claims, police spokesperson Omolola Odutola stated, “Portable will come and submit himself. He cannot be in the psychiatric hospital in Aro. Everybody knows he is a wanted person. If he is in any facility, the police must be informed. He is a wanted man.”
Barely 48 hours after being declared wanted, Portable turned himself in and appeared in court. During the proceedings, Magistrate Oke questioned his mental state, asking, “Are you alright? Are you sure you are mentally sound? If not, we have a lot of psychiatric homes we can send you to.”
Portable firmly responded, “I am mentally alright.”
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the five-count charges brought against him and was granted bail of N2 million with a surety in like sum. The case was adjourned till March 5 for hearing.