In a dramatic turn of events, controversial Nigerian singer, Portable Omolalomi, who recently claimed to be mentally unstable, has now retracted his statement, telling the court that he is mentally sound and healthy. His unexpected shift in position has stirred reactions among fans and the public, as many continue to follow the unfolding legal battle surrounding the singer.
Portable made this declaration on Thursday during his court appearance before Magistrate O.L. Oke at the Magistrate Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, Ogun State. This came after his highly publicized claim earlier in the week that he was undergoing psychiatric treatment, a statement that had sparked both sympathy and skepticism from the public.
The 31-year-old singer, popularly known for his hit track “Zazoo Zeh,” was declared wanted by the Ogun State Police Command on Monday following allegations that he physically assaulted three officials from the Ogun Planning and Development Permit Authority (OGPDPA) who were reportedly carrying out their lawful duties.
Following the police declaration, Portable took to Instagram on Tuesday, where he posted a video claiming that he was a psychiatric patient receiving treatment at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta. In the video, he portrayed himself as someone struggling with mental health challenges, seemingly attempting to use this as a defense against the police charges.
“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 boldly declared in the video, leading to widespread speculation about the authenticity of his claims.
However, the Ogun State Police Command swiftly dismissed Portable’s claims, asserting that his alleged psychiatric condition would not exempt him from facing justice. Police spokesperson Omolola Odutola made it clear that being in a psychiatric facility does not absolve one from legal consequences and reiterated that Portable remained a wanted individual.
In a surprising move, barely 48 hours after being declared wanted, Portable voluntarily turned himself in and was taken into custody. He later appeared in court on Thursday, where he was formally charged and questioned regarding his mental state. Magistrate Oke directly addressed Portable’s previous claims, seeking clarification on his current condition.
“Are you alright? Are you sure you are mentally sound? If not, we have a lot of psychiatric homes we can send you to,” the magistrate asked, referencing the singer’s prior statement about his supposed mental health struggles.
Contrary to his earlier assertions, Portable responded with confidence, stating, “I am mentally alright.” This response effectively nullified his earlier claim of being a psychiatric patient and signaled that he was prepared to face the legal proceedings head-on.
Despite the serious nature of the charges against him, Portable pleaded not guilty to the five-count charges leveled against him. Following deliberations, the court granted him bail in the sum of N2 million, with a surety in like sum. This bail condition ensures that Portable remains free while the legal process unfolds.
With the case now officially in court, the legal battle is far from over. The magistrate adjourned the case until March 5 for further hearings, during which more details about the case and potential legal consequences for the singer will likely emerge. As the situation develops, fans and the public alike remain eager to see how the controversy surrounding Portable will ultimately be resolved.