ICYMI: Portable remanded in prison after failing to meet ₦1 million bail

Controversial Nigerian street-pop artist Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has been remanded at the Oke Kura Correctional Centre in Ilorin after failing to meet the bail conditions set by an Upper Area Court in Kwara State on Monday, April 14.

Portable, 31, was arraigned on charges including criminal defamation, cyberstalking, criminal intimidation, and inciting public disturbance.

These charges stem from a petition filed by veteran Fuji musician Saheed Osupa, who accused the singer of maligning him in a March 19 Instagram Live broadcast.

In the video, the ‘Zazoo Zeh’ singer claimed, “This man dey try bring down my shine! He be like person wey dey chop snail with shell—him no get sense. Osupa carry tortoise for stomach. When Apple Music and Spotify want to drop money for me, na him remove my song from the platform, make I no see money.”

Osupa described the remarks as defamatory and inciting, stating that Portable’s statements were “intended to damage my reputation and stir public hatred.”

Police spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi confirmed Portable’s arrest in Abeokuta, Ogun State, around 7:25 p.m. on Saturday, April 12.

He was transferred to Ilorin following an investigation by the State Intelligence Department.

“In view of the weight of these allegations and the supporting evidence presented, the command secured a valid arrest warrant from a Magistrate Court sitting in Ilorin,” said Ejire-Adeyemi. “Upon his arrival, the suspect’s statement was taken in the presence of legal representatives from both parties.”

Portable bail conditions

Portable was granted bail in the sum of ₦1 million, with the court stipulating two sureties of equal amount.

One must be a senior official of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), and the other a property owner in a Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Ilorin, with a valid Certificate of Occupancy.

However, the singer remained in custody at the close of proceedings, having failed to meet these conditions.

The case, documented under FIR 117(1) CPC, includes charges under Sections 392, 397, and 114 of the Penal Code, as well as applicable sections of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2020.

Presiding magistrate Sunday Adeniyi adjourned the matter until April 30 and urged both parties to maintain decorum as proceedings continue.

Copyright controversy

The feud between Portable and Osupa reportedly escalated after the Fuji icon flagged Portable’s 2023 single, Fuji Shakushaku, for copyright infringement.

The track was removed from streaming platforms following Osupa’s complaint through his management company, Digital Music Commerce and Exchange Ltd. (DMCE).

“We cannot stand idly by while King Saheed Osupa is being disrespected,” DMCE said in a statement posted to Instagram on March 27.

“While most cases of copyright infringement were resolved amicably, one individual engaged in cyberbullying, attacks, and reputational damage.”

In a series of follow-up videos, Portable criticized the 55-year-old singer, calling him “big for nothing.” However, he later issued a public apology, citing financial frustrations over the song’s takedown.

This marks yet another legal entanglement for Portable, who has faced multiple criminal charges in the past two years, including assault, theft, obstruction, and debt disputes across Ogun and Lagos States.