Portable Escapes Re-Arrest Following Release from Police Custody

Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, narrowly avoided re-arrest on Tuesday after being released from police custody.

His release followed the withdrawal of a petition by veteran Fuji musician Saheed Osupa, who had accused Portable of criminal defamation, intimidation, inciting public disturbance, and cyberstalking.

Portable was initially remanded at the Oke-Kura Correctional Facility in Ilorin after failing to meet stringent bail conditions set by an Upper Area Court. These included a ₦1 million bail and two sureties—one being a Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) official and the other owning property in a Government Reserved Area.

The charges stemmed from defamatory remarks Portable made during a live Instagram broadcast on March 19, 2025. However, Osupa withdrew his case after interventions from stakeholders in the music industry. He warned Portable against further disparaging remarks.

Meanwhile, Portable faced another potential arrest over allegations of fraud involving ₦6.3 million paid for a performance he failed to deliver at the Kwara Tampan Fiesta in September 2024. The hotel’s Managing Director, Yemi George, confirmed that Osupa intervened to prevent further legal action.

Portable has a history of legal troubles, including arrests for assault and defamation. Despite repeated controversies, he continues to attract significant public attention.