Barely days after controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, was remanded in prison over multiple criminal charges, his family has recorded a significant personal development. His first wife, Omobewaji, has given birth to a baby, a development that comes while the artist remains in custody awaiting a ruling on his bail application.

Portable was arraigned on Monday, January 12, 2026, before a Federal High Court sitting in Ogun State on a nine count criminal charge. According to court proceedings, the presiding judge declined to grant him bail at the time, citing the absence of the police officer who was allegedly assaulted and listed as a key complainant in the matter. The court subsequently ordered that the singer be remanded in custody, with consideration of his bail application adjourned to January 19, 2026.

Court Remand and Pending Bail Hearing

Court officials confirmed that the decision to withhold bail was procedural rather than a determination of guilt. Legal observers note that Nigerian courts often insist on the presence of complainants in cases involving alleged assault or threats to ensure that bail conditions, if granted, adequately protect all parties involved.

Portable’s legal team did not oppose the adjournment date but requested that the matter be treated urgently, given the non capital nature of the charges. The court agreed to reconvene on January 19 to hear arguments on bail, provided all parties are present.

The singer, known for his outspoken persona and frequent run ins with authorities, has faced several legal controversies in the past. However, this is one of the few occasions he has been formally remanded following arraignment, making the current case particularly significant for his career and personal life.

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Meanwhile, Omobewaji, Portable’s first wife, delivered a baby just days after the court ordered the singer’s remand. Family sources confirmed the birth but declined to disclose further details about the child, including the exact date of delivery or the location, citing privacy concerns.

According to sources familiar with the situation, news of the birth was conveyed to Portable while he remains in custody. The sources said the singer received the information with visible excitement and relief, despite his current circumstances. While these accounts could not be independently verified, they reflect the emotional contrast between a personal milestone and an ongoing legal battle.

Personal Milestones Versus Public Scrutiny

The timing of the birth has drawn attention not only because of Portable’s incarceration but also due to his high profile status and turbulent public image. Entertainment analysts say moments like this often humanize controversial figures in the eyes of the public, even as legal processes continue independently of personal developments.

According to Lagos based media analyst Sola Adeyemi, high profile cases involving entertainers frequently blur the line between public interest and private life. He noted that while the birth of a child is not legally relevant to the charges, it can influence public perception and fan reactions, especially in the era of social media driven narratives.

Adeyemi added that such developments often reignite debates around celebrity accountability and the responsibilities that come with fame. In Portable’s case, the situation underscores how quickly personal and professional consequences can intersect.

Background on the Charges

While full details of the nine count charge were not extensively debated during the initial arraignment, court records indicate that the allegations stem from an incident involving law enforcement officers. The prosecution maintains that the case involves assault and related offenses, while the defense has insisted that the singer will challenge the claims when the matter proceeds.

Legal practitioners observing the case say the absence of the alleged victim at the first hearing was central to the court’s refusal to grant bail. Under Nigerian law, judges have wide discretion in bail matters, particularly when the safety of complainants or the likelihood of interference with investigations is raised.

Why the Case Matters Now

The case has attracted heightened attention because it comes at a time when conversations around celebrity conduct and respect for law enforcement remain prominent in Nigeria. Portable’s history of public disputes and confrontations has previously sparked debate about whether entertainers receive preferential treatment or harsher scrutiny.

This remand, even if temporary, signals a more procedural approach by the court, legal analysts say. It also serves as a reminder that high profile status does not automatically guarantee immediate bail, especially when procedural requirements are not met.

All eyes are now on January 19, 2026, when the court is expected to hear arguments on Portable’s bail application. Legal experts say several outcomes are possible, including conditional bail, continued remand, or an accelerated hearing schedule depending on the prosecution’s readiness.

Beyond the courtroom, observers will also be watching how the singer navigates the early days of fatherhood under legal constraint. While personal developments do not influence judicial decisions, they often shape public discourse and media framing.

If granted bail, Portable is expected to reunite with his family, including meeting his newborn child for the first time. If bail is denied, the case could extend further into the year, with broader implications for his music career, public engagements, and brand partnerships.