The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on November 18, 2022, where Portable was found guilty of assaulting a police officer and resisting lawful arrest. The court's judgment delivered by Chief Magistrate Babajide Ilo, found Portable guilty on two of the charges brought against him.
The charges against the "Zazuu Zeh" crooner included conspiracy to commit felony, assault on a police officer, and theft of musical equipment. The prosecution, led by Inspector Olumide Awoleke, presented evidence detailing the events of November 18, 2022, at approximately 11:00 am in Okeosa, Ilogbo, within the Ifo Magisterial District.
According to the charge sheet presented to the court, Portable, along with others still at large, conspired to commit a felony, specifically assault, which is an offense punishable under Section 517 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State 2006.
Furthermore, the charge sheet detailed the assault on one Osimosu Emmanuel Oluwafemi, whom Portable was accused of beating all over his body, contravening Section 351 of the same Criminal Code Laws.
Additionally, Portable faced a charge of theft, accused of stealing musical equipment, including a Yamaha H55 studio monitor, a complete Studio 2 interface connection cable, and an AKG P420 condenser, on various occasions in 2022 within the same magisterial district. These actions were alleged to be contrary to Sections 384 and 383 and punishable under Section 390 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, Nigeria, 2006.
In his ruling, Chief Magistrate Babajide Ilo delivered his verdict, finding Portable guilty on Counts 1 (conspiracy to commit felony) and 2 (assault). For the first count, the singer was sentenced to one month's imprisonment with the option of a N10,000 fine. On the second count of assault, Portable received a sentence of two months' imprisonment with an option of a N20,000 fine. Cumulatively, Portable faces a three-month jail term or the option of paying a total fine of N30,000.
The sentencing brings a degree of closure to a case that has lingered since the controversial artist's alleged actions in November 2022 and his subsequent arrest in March 2023. It serves as a reminder of the legal ramifications of assaulting law enforcement officers and resisting arrest, even for individuals in the public eye. The option of a fine, however, allows Portable to avoid immediate incarceration, provided he pays the stipulated amount.