Portable’s Legal Troubles Ease as Saheed Osupa Calls Off Lawsuit

Nigerian Fuji icon, Saheed Osupa, has officially withdrawn the legal case filed against controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, following public intervention and pleas from notable Nigerians.

Earlier reports indicated that Portable had been arrested by the Kwara State Police Command over multiple allegations, including criminal defamation, incitement, character assassination, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. He was also accused of issuing threats and using abusive language in a public outburst directed at Osupa. After failing to meet stringent bail conditions—set at ₦1 million and two sureties, including a PMAN chairman—Portable was remanded in a correctional facility pending the adjournment of his case on April 30, 2025.

In a press statement released on Monday, Osupa’s management clarified that the lawsuit was never personally motivated but rather aimed at upholding intellectual property rights and discouraging a growing culture of online defamation and misconduct within the music industry. The decision to pursue legal action, the statement noted, was meant to set a standard for accountability, particularly among younger artists.

However, the Fuji maestro has now ordered the immediate withdrawal of the case following passionate interventions by high-profile individuals, including Alhaji Ahmad Lawal (CEO, Lahmad Concepts), Saheed Ibile (CEO, Harmony Holdings Ltd), Alhaji Fatai Lajero (on behalf of the Olufimo Royal Parliament), and Alhaji Waheed Ogunsesan (National President, Olufimo Fans Club). Moved by Portable’s reported financial challenges and inability to meet bail conditions, Osupa opted for clemency.

“While accountability is essential, mercy, too, is a pillar of leadership,” the statement read. “King Osupa hopes this moment becomes a turning point in Portable’s life and career.”

The withdrawal, however, comes with conditions. Portable is expected to:

1. Retract his earlier statements implicating Osupa in any potential harm to his life.
2. Publicly confess that his lawyer’s claim—alleging that he held Osupa’s leg in apology—was false.
3. Sign an undertaking to desist from cyberbullying, defamation, and character assassination in the future.

The controversy began after Osupa reported one of Portable’s songs for copyright infringement, leading to its removal from streaming platforms. In retaliation, Portable launched a tirade against the Fuji legend, mocking his appearance and questioning his musical relevance. He later apologized, attributing his outburst to “greed.”

See also: Portable remanded in prison over inability to meet bail conditions