Portable Escapes Re-Arrest After Release From Police Custody
Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has escaped re-arrest after being released from police custody. This development comes after veteran Fuji musician Saheed Osupa withdrew his petition against Portable.
Osupa had petitioned the police, accusing Portable of criminal defamation, intimidation, inciting public disturbance, and cyberstalking. The charges stemmed from defamatory remarks Portable made during a live Instagram broadcast in March 2025. Portable was arraigned before a Kwara State Upper Area Court in Ilorin and admitted to bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties. One of the sureties must be the chairman of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, while the other must own landed property in the Government Reserve Area within the court's jurisdiction.
However, Osupa withdrew the case following intervention from industry stakeholders and notable personalities in society. In a letter to the court, Osupa's solicitor, Opalekunde Ahmed, stated that his client had instructed him to withdraw the case and terminate it accordingly, as the matter had been resolved amicably. The letter also warned Portable to desist from further publications or utterances disparaging Osupa's person.
"We hereby on behalf of our client apply to withdraw the case against the defendant and terminate same accordingly as the matter had been resolved amicably," the letter read. Osupa's lawyer, Abdulqadir Ajasa, confirmed that his client decided to withdraw the case following pleas from well-to-do members of society.
Osupa also prevented Portable's re-arrest by the Managing Director of Starwood Hotels, Ilorin, Mr. Yemi George. Portable had allegedly collected N6.3 million for a show he failed to perform at the Kwara Tampan Fiesta in September 2024. George had obtained necessary documents to re-arrest Portable but refrained from doing so out of respect for Osupa.
"I have obtained every necessary document to re-arrest him today to refund my money, but out of respect for the legendary Fuji musician (Osupa) who prevailed on me not to," George explained. According to a petition filed by Starwood Hotels, Portable was paid N6.3 million to perform at the event but failed to appear on stage at the agreed-upon time. Despite arriving over 16 hours late, he allegedly sneaked out of his hotel lodge without fulfilling his promise to perform.
Portable has had a history of being arrested and subsequently released. Some notable instances include his arrest in March 2023 for allegedly assaulting a man at his bar, Odogwu Bar, in Ogun State; his arrest in May 2024 over a debt he incurred after buying a N27 million G-Wagon from a car dealer; and being declared wanted by the Ogun State Police Command in February 2025 after he and his associates allegedly attacked government officials from the Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority at his bar in Iyana Ilogbo.
Portable's release and escape from re-arrest have sparked mixed reactions among fans and industry stakeholders. While some have praised Osupa for his intervention, others have criticized Portable for his actions. As Portable continues to navigate the complexities of his career, it remains to be seen how he will address the issues surrounding his performances and relationships with other industry stakeholders.
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