Ilorin, Nigeria — Controversial singer Badmus Okikiola, famously known as Portable, narrowly avoided re-arrest on Tuesday after veteran fuji musician Okunola Saheed, popularly known as Osupa, withdrew a petition against him.
The petition alleged criminal defamation, intimidation, inciting public disturbance, and cyberstalking. It reached the Kwara State Police, resulting in Portable being brought before a Kwara State Upper Area Court in Ilorin. He was charged with multiple offenses under the Penal Code and the Cybercrimes Act, stemming from a live Instagram broadcast where he made damaging remarks about Osupa.
Portable was granted bail set at N1 million with additional conditions requiring sureties, including a chairman of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria and a property owner within the court’s jurisdiction. However, he was unable to fulfill these conditions and was remanded at the federal correctional facility, Oke Kura, Ilorin.
On Tuesday, the situation shifted when Osupa, through his lawyer Opalekunde Ahmed, filed for a withdrawal of the case, citing interventions from significant figures in the music industry. “My client has chosen to settle this matter outside of court for the sake of peace,” Ahmed said, confirming that Osupa was willing to resolve their differences amicably.
The withdrawal letter included a request for the court to admonish Portable against future remarks that may disparage Osupa, indicating the matter was resolved for the public’s benefit.
Additionally, an issue arose regarding a separate incident where Portable was accused of failing to perform at a show organized by Starwood Hotels, leading the hotel’s Managing Director, Yemi George, to consider re-arresting him for not returning the payment of N6.3 million made in advance.
“I had all the necessary documents to re-arrest him, but I respected Osupa’s plea not to take that step,” George stated. The allegations specify that Portable failed to show up for a scheduled performance, causing significant financial losses.
The situation surrounding Portable is complex; he is no stranger to legal troubles. In February, he became wanted by police after allegedly assaulting government officials enforcing regulatory compliance at his bar, leading to a dramatic surrender to authorities in Lagos.
Previously, in May 2024, Portable made headlines after attempting to evade arrest for a debt stemming from a luxury car purchase. Social media was abuzz with videos showing his escape when confronted by police.
In March 2023, he was arrested for failing to comply with police demands following an assault allegation. After spending time in police custody, he was later granted bail.
