From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Popular Nigerian artiste, Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, better 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.
Portable was arraigned on charges bordering on criminal defamation, intimidation, inciting public disturbance, and cyberstalking, following a petition by fellow musician, Okunola Saheed, popularly known as Osupa.
The court had granted Portable bail in the sum of ₦1 million, but stipulated stringent conditions, including the provision of two sureties in like sum.
One of the sureties must be the Chairman or Secretary of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), while the second must own property within a Government Reserved Area (GRA) in Ilorin and present a valid Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).
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Unable to meet these conditions, the controversial singer was ordered to be remanded in prison custody pending the fulfillment of the bail requirements.
The charges stem from a live Instagram broadcast by Portable on March 19, 2025, where he allegedly made defamatory statements against Osupa, accusing him of sabotaging his career.
In the viral video, Portable was quoted as saying: “This man dey try bring down my shine! He be like person wey dey chop snail with shell—him no get sense. Osupa na tortoise. When Apple Music and Spotify wan drop money for me, na him remove my song from platform make I no see money.”
In his petition dated March 21, 2025, Osupa claimed the remarks were not only defamatory but also capable of inciting hatred and public unrest.
The police confirmed that Portable confessed to the allegations during interrogation. He was charged under various provisions including Sections 392, 114, and 397 of the Penal Code, Sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015, and Sections 10 and 13 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2020.
ASP Adeniyi James, the Investigating Police Officer, disclosed that the charges were filed following directives from the police authority.
The case has been adjourned, with the trial judge urging all parties to remain calm as proceedings continue. Portable, who hails from Oke-Osa, Sango-Ota in Ogun State, will remain in custody until his bail conditions are met.
