“I fear government. I am a federal government liability. I am 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,” he said.
Portable case adjourned to March 5, gets N2m bail
A Magistrates Court sitting in Isabo in the Abeokuta area of Ogun State has granted bail to controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, following his arraignment on charges of assault and obstruction of government officials.
The singer was declared wanted by the state police command on Monday.
He however surrendered himself to the police at the Lagos State Criminal Investigations Department on Wednesday and was thereafter transferred to the Ogun State Police Headquarters, Eleweran.
The singer who was presented in court on Thursday faced a five-count charge, including conspiracy, assault, restriction, being armed with cutlasses and guns, and conduct likely to cause harm.
He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
His counsel, Oluwatoyin Ayodele, pleaded for bail, assuring the court that Portable “is now remorseful and has learnt his lessons.”
Magistrate O. L. Oke granted the singer bail in the sum of N2m with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case until March 5 for trial.
Alongside Portable, nine of his aides were also arraigned on similar charges before the magistrate.
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The accused individuals, including 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), were charged with felony, assault, obstruction, and conduct likely to breach public peace.
The Ogun State Government had earlier condemned Portable’s alleged actions, describing him as a “serial dissident and unrepentant rascal.”
The singer was reportedly involved in a violent altercation with three officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Ota Zonal Office—TPL Onabanjo Abidemi, TPL Raymond Lateef, and TPL Ridwan Oyero Akinlesi—during an enforcement exercise at Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu Ota, Ogun State.
According to the officials, they initially encountered Portable’s father at the Odogwu Bar, where he informed them that his son was unavailable. Moments later, Portable allegedly arrived armed with a firearm and, along with nine thugs, launched an attack on the unarmed officials.
The police reported that the enforcement officers sustained injuries but managed to escape and report the incident to the Ota Area Command, which escalated the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department.
Reacting to the allegations, Portable took to Instagram on Tuesday in a series of rants, claiming that he was being set up because he wore a vest featuring the image of the lawmaker representing Ogun West, Senator Adeola Solomon, popularly known as Yayi. He also reiterated that he is mentally unstable and has a medical history at the psychiatric hospital.
“I fear government. I am a federal government liability. I am 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,” he said.
Regina Daniels Shares Emotional Message on Children’s Welfare Amid Custody Battle
Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has voiced deep concern about the safety and well-being of her children following her separation from estranged husband, Senator Ned Nwoko. The actress, who has been navigating a highly publicised family dispute, emphasised her ongoing commitment to ensuring her children are protected despite restricted access.
In a heartfelt message shared on her son’s school social media page, Daniels commended Lincoln American Academy for its role in her child’s upbringing and growth. She appealed to school authorities to continue caring for her children in her absence, describing them as the “blessed fruit of my womb.” Daniels reassured her son of her constant prayers and watchfulness, writing: “Oh my Moon! Blessed fruit of my womb! Mama is so proud! Grow in good health, my child! I will always watch and pray over you from afar. @LincolnAmericanAcademy I trust you to look after my babies well.”
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The actress’ message comes amid an ongoing custody and marital dispute with Senator Nwoko, with reports suggesting limited access to her children in recent months. Daniels’ emotional statements have drawn significant public attention, highlighting the challenges of protecting children’s welfare in high-profile separations.
Representatives of Nwoko’s camp have responded to Daniels’ claims, stating that court-ordered evaluations and social welfare assessments were required before full access to the children could be restored. They assured that the children are living in a stable environment and that their well-being remains a priority.
Despite the legal and personal challenges, Daniels continues to stress her role as a mother and her desire to be actively involved in her children’s lives. Her appeal underscores the importance of child welfare, emotional support, and parental involvement even amid complex family disputes.
The story has resonated widely on social media, with fans and followers urging respect for the family’s privacy and emphasising the need to prioritise the children’s interests during this sensitive period.
How Death Threats During #EndSARS Made Me Rethink Activism – Omotola
Veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has disclosed that her children received death threats during the 2020 #EndSARS protests, prompting her to rethink how she engages in activism and public advocacy. The revelation highlights the personal risks faced by public figures and their families when participating in social movements.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Rubbin’ Minds, the 48-year-old actress described the period as the most intense and threatening chapter of her life. “I am used to death threats; I have received them many times,” she said. “But I have never seen anything like what happened during #EndSARS. It was intense. My kids started getting death threats. That was when it became weird.”
Omotola said she had been actively involved in the decentralized nationwide movement, which demanded an end to police brutality and the abuses of the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). Her activism included street protests, international advocacy, and media engagement, and she spoke with global outlets like CNN while liaising with international NGOs and embassies.
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However, as threats against her family escalated — including reports of people showing up at her home and workplace — Omotola said she had to shift away from street-level activism to strategic advocacy to protect her children. “When people started coming physically to my home and place of work to look for me, I knew I had to worry about other people and not just myself,” she said.
Omotola emphasized that, while she was willing to risk her own safety, she could not expose her children to danger. “I can’t control where they go, I can’t protect them as much, and I don’t want my children to become victims of choices that I have made,” she added.
The #EndSARS movement, which erupted in October 2020, saw millions of Nigerians protest against police brutality, extrajudicial killings, harassment, and extortion by SARS operatives. The protests gained global attention after alleged shootings at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, a defining and controversial moment in Nigeria’s social activism history.
Despite the Federal Government’s decision to disband SARS and initiate reforms, many protester demands — including justice for victims, accountability for abuses, and comprehensive police reforms — remain unresolved years later. Human rights groups like Amnesty International have reported that some protesters continue to face detention or legal challenges, highlighting ongoing struggles in the fight against police brutality.
Omotola’s candid reflection underscores the lasting impact of #EndSARS on activists and illustrates how personal safety concerns can shape public advocacy strategies, even for high-profile figures. Her experience also reinforces the continued relevance of the movement in discussions about democracy, accountability, and civic activism in Nigeria.
Nollywood Actress Fathia Balogun Mourns Mother a Day Before 55th Birthday
LAGOS — Veteran Nigerian actress Fathia Balogun is mourning the loss of her mother, who passed away just 24 hours before the actress’s 55th birthday celebration.
The news of her mother’s death was confirmed by family sources, who described the loss as a “devastating blow” to the actress and her family. The timing of the tragedy, coming a day before her milestone birthday, has left fans and colleagues in shock.
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Fathia Balogun, renowned for her contributions to Nollywood and Yoruba-language cinema, has shared moments of grief on social media, receiving an outpouring of condolences from fans, friends, and colleagues across the entertainment industry.
The actress, known for her resilience in both her personal and professional life, is expected to hold a private memorial in Lagos, as the family comes together to honour the life of her late mother.
Fans and well-wishers have taken to social media platforms to express sympathy, celebrate her mother’s life, and support Fathia during this difficult time.
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