Controversial Nigerian singer, Badmus Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, on Tuesday, avoided re-arrest following his release from police custody over a separate petition.
Portable had earlier regained his freedom after veteran fuji musician, Saheed Okunola, popularly known as Osupa, withdrew a petition filed against him. Osupa had accused the singer of criminal defamation, criminal intimidation, inciting public disturbance, and cyberstalking.
Acting on the petition, the Kwara State Police Command had arraigned Portable on Monday before the Upper Area Court in Ilorin. He faced charges under several sections of the Penal Code, the Cybercrimes Act of 2015, and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of 2020.
The case centered on a live Instagram broadcast Portable made on March 19, 2025, during which he allegedly made defamatory comments about Osupa, accusing the fuji legend of jealousy and career sabotage.
Presiding magistrate Sunday Adeniyi granted Portable bail in the sum of N1 million, with two sureties—one being a chairman of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria and the other a property owner in the GRA. However, he failed to meet the bail conditions on Monday and was remanded at the Oke Kura Correctional Facility in Ilorin.
Relief came the next day when Osupa, through his lawyer, Opalekunde Ahmed, filed to withdraw the case. Ahmed said the withdrawal followed interventions and appeals from key figures in the music industry and society.
In the withdrawal letter, Osupa warned Portable against making further disparaging remarks. The letter read in part:
“Stakeholders in the music industry and other notable personalities have intervened. We hereby, on behalf of our client, apply to withdraw the case and terminate same as the matter has been resolved amicably. We also urge the court to admonish the defendant to refrain from further publications or acts aimed at tarnishing our client’s image or business.”
Another lawyer for Osupa, Abdulqadir Ajasa, confirmed that the withdrawal was influenced by appeals from influential personalities. Portable was subsequently released and left Ilorin on Tuesday afternoon.
However, another controversy loomed as Portable narrowly escaped re-arrest over a separate petition involving the Managing Director of Starwood Hotels in Ilorin, Mr. Yemi George. The hotel boss alleged that Portable collected N6.3 million for a performance he failed to deliver.
George confirmed that he had prepared documents to re-arrest Portable but was persuaded by Osupa to stand down, out of respect.
“My company, in collaboration with TAMPAN, organized a show for Portable, but he never performed,” George said. “He arrived over 16 hours late and then sneaked out of the hotel without fulfilling his commitment.”
A formal petition titled Petition for Fraudulent and Obtaining by False Pretence the Sum of N6.3m was submitted. According to the petition, Portable had agreed to perform at the 'Kwara TAMPAN Fiesta' on September 29, 2024, but failed to appear on stage. The petition, signed by Chief Olu Amusan (Governor, TAMPAN) and Ayodele Demokun on behalf of Starwood Hotels O2 Arena, called for investigation, prosecution, and full refund.
This incident adds to Portable’s string of past legal troubles. In February 2025, he was declared wanted by the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly assaulting government officials at his bar, Odogwu Bar, during a regulatory enforcement visit. While nine of his associates were arrested, Portable evaded capture until February 19 when he turned himself in.
In May 2024, Portable was arrested over a debt linked to a N27 million G-Wagon purchase. Viral videos showed him attempting to escape by leaping over a gate before being apprehended by police.
Earlier, in March 2023, he was arrested after ignoring a 72-hour ultimatum from the Ogun State Police over an assault case. He was later granted bail after spending a weekend in custody.
