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Portable Granted Bail Following Arrest Over Defamation Allegations by Saheed Osupa
Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has been granted bail for ₦1 million after being arrested in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Sunday, April 13.
Portable was taken into custody following a petition by legendary Fuji musician Saheed Osupa, who accused him of criminal defamation, threats to life, incitement, character assassination, and conduct likely to disturb public peace.
He was charged in court on multiple counts, including cyberstalking, intimidation, and inciting public disturbance. The court ruled that Portable’s bail is conditional upon providing two sureties in like sum.
One must be a chairman or secretary of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, and the other must own landed property in a Government Reserved Area (GRA), backed with a valid Certificate of Occupancy.
This legal drama stems from a March 2025 Instagram video where Portable lashed out at Osupa for removing his song ‘Fuji Shakushaku’ from Apple Music over alleged copyright infringement. The song’s style closely mimicked the Fuji veteran’s unique sound.
However, days later, on March 20, Portable publicly apologized in Yoruba, acknowledging Saheed Osupa as an inspiration, and blamed his earlier outburst on frustration from the takedown.
At 31, Portable continues to court controversy, but this latest episode underscores the growing tension around copyright and respect among Nigerian musicians.