Controversial street-pop singer Portable, born Habeeb Okikiola, narrowly escaped re-arrest on Tuesday after a criminal petition filed against him by Fuji legend Saheed Osupa was officially withdrawn.
The petition had accused Portable of criminal defamation, cyberstalking, and inciting public disturbance.
It followed his Instagram live session on March 19, 2025, during which he allegedly made several offensive remarks targeting Osupa.
In response, the Kwara State Police Command arrested Portable and arraigned him before a Kwara State Upper Area Court.
He was charged under Sections 392, 114, and 397 of the Penal Code and the Cybercrimes Act, 2015.
However, the situation changed swiftly on Tuesday when Osupa, through his lawyer Opalekunde Ahmed, filed for the withdrawal of the case.
According to reports, several top figures in the music industry intervened to help resolve the issue quietly.
Meanwhile, Portable had earlier been denied bail on Monday due to his failure to meet the set conditions.
He was remanded at the Federal Correctional Facility in Ilorin as ordered by Magistrate Sunday Adeniyi.
But after the withdrawal, he was released and immediately left Ilorin.
This development is being viewed by many as a wake-up call for Portable, whose actions have repeatedly drawn public and legal backlash.
Despite escaping the criminal charges from Osupa, another issue emerged on the same day.
The management of Starwood Hotels in Ilorin accused Portable of fraudulently collecting N6.3 million for a show he allegedly never performed at.
According to Mr. Yemi George, the hotel’s managing director, Portable was paid to perform at the ‘Kwara Tampan Fiesta’ on September 29, 2023.
However, Portable reportedly arrived 16 hours late and then left the hotel without stepping on stage.
“I have obtained every necessary document to re-arrest him today (Tuesday) to refund my money, but out of respect for the legendary fuji musician (Osupa), who prevailed on me not to,” George said.
The hotel’s petition, titled ‘Petition for Fraudulent and Obtaining by False Pretence the Sum of N6.3 Million’, was reportedly submitted to the police.
The petitioners are demanding a full investigation into the matter, a refund, and possible legal consequences for the singer.
Moreover, industry watchers have raised concerns that Portable’s continuous legal issues could be harming his reputation beyond repair.
In addition, fans have expressed disappointment over his repeated behavior, urging him to change his attitude before it’s too late.
Although Osupa’s decision to withdraw his petition has given Portable another chance, the new fraud accusation may again put him in the public spotlight for the wrong reasons.
