Nigerian street-hop singer Portable Omolalomi has backtracked on his earlier claims of mental instability, admitting in court that he is mentally sound and healthy.
Appearing before Magistrate O.L. Oke at the Isabo Magistrate Court in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Thursday, the embattled singer—real name Habeeb Okikiola—pleaded not guilty to a five-count charge, including the alleged assault of three Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority (OGPDPA) officials.
From Insanity Claims to Courtroom Confession
Portable was declared wanted by the Ogun State Police Command on Monday following the alleged assault. In response, he took to Instagram on Tuesday, claiming he was a psychiatric patient undergoing treatment at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta.
“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 stated in a viral video.
However, police spokesperson Omolola Odutola dismissed his claims, stating that being a psychiatric patient would not exempt him from being a wanted person.
Barely 48 hours later, Portable turned himself in and appeared before the magistrate. During the hearing, 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.”
In response, Portable confidently replied, “I am mentally alright.”
The court granted him bail of N2 million with a surety in like sum, and the case was adjourned to March 5 for further hearing.
