Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, better known as Portable, narrowly avoided re-arrest on Tuesday after a fresh petition filed against him was withdrawn.
The petition, submitted by veteran fuji musician Okunola Saheed—popularly known as Saheed Osupa—had accused Portable of criminal defamation, criminal intimidation, inciting public disturbance, and cyberstalking.
Acting on the petition, the Kwara State Police Command had taken Portable before a Kwara State Upper Area Court in Ilorin on Monday. However, in a surprising turn of events, Osupa withdrew the petition, leading to Portable’s release.
This development comes shortly after Portable was freed from custody in Lagos over an alleged unpaid debt involving a luxury G-Wagon.
Portable was arraigned on multiple counts linked to his controversial conduct during a March 19, 2025 Instagram Live, where he allegedly made defamatory statements against fuji musician Saheed Osupa, accusing him of jealousy and attempting to sabotage his career.
The charges leveled against him include violations of:
Section 392 – Criminal Defamation
Section 114 – Inciting Disturbance
Section 397 – Criminal Intimidation of the Penal Code
Sections 24(1)(b) & 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes Act, 2015
Sections 10 & 13 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2020
Presiding Magistrate Sunday Adeniyi granted Portable bail at ₦1 million, with two sureties. Conditions for surety included that:
One must be the Chairman of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN)
The other must own landed property within the GRA (Government Reserve Area) under the court’s jurisdiction.
Despite these serious allegations, the case took a dramatic turn when Osupa withdrew his petition, allowing Portable to walk free—for now.
Portable’s turbulent legal saga took yet another dramatic turn this week, following a series of escalating accusations and last-minute interventions:
Recent Legal Battle with Saheed Osupa
Monday: Portable was remanded to Oke Kura Correctional Facility after failing to meet bail conditions in a defamation and cybercrime case filed by veteran fuji artist Saheed Osupa.
Tuesday: Osupa, through his solicitor Opalekunde Ahmed, withdrew the petition, citing the intervention of industry stakeholders and prominent figures, seeking peace.
The withdrawal letter urged Portable to cease all defamatory remarks going forward, and the court was asked to admonish him accordingly.
Osupa’s other lawyer, Abdulqadir Ajasa, confirmed the decision was driven by pleas from “well-to-do members of society.”
Avoided Re-Arrest Over N6.3m Allegation
On the same day of his release, Portable narrowly avoided re-arrest after allegedly failing to perform at the ‘Kwara Tampan Fiesta’ despite being paid ₦6.3 million.
Mr. Yemi George, MD of Starwood Hotels Ilorin, confirmed that Osupa once again intervened to prevent arrest.
Portable was accused of arriving 16 hours late, then sneaking out of his hotel without performing.
A petition was filed by TAMPAN Governor Chief Olu Amusan and Ayodele Demokun seeking investigation and prosecution for fraud and obtaining by false pretence.
Pattern of Legal Troubles
February 2025: Declared wanted by Ogun Police after allegedly assaulting state officials during a regulatory visit to his bar; he later surrendered in Lagos.
May 2024: Arrested over debt involving a N27m G-Wagon; videos showed him fleeing from arrest, then being physically carried to a police vehicle.
March 2023: Arrested and granted bail after ignoring a police ultimatum related to an assault case at his bar in Ogun.#newsafro_
