Osupa Withdraws Legal Case Against Singer ‘Portable’ Citing Public Appeals
Musician King (Dr.) Saheed Osupa stepped down from pursuing legal proceedings in court where he petitioned the Nigerian Police to investigate and prosecute controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, for cybercrime, defamation, violation of intellectual property rights, and public misconduct.
The men of the Nigerian Police arrested the suspect during an Instagram livestream, after which he was relocated to Ilorin. The police confirmed having him in custody, and he appeared in court yesterday, Monday 14th April 2025. The judge ruled and granted him bail, but his lawyers were unable to fulfill his bail conditions; therefore, he was to be remanded in a correctional facility pending fulfillment of his bail conditions.
According to a press release obtained and signed by Lagosspyng, from Busari Basit Babatunde (Fountain), media aide to King Saheed Osupa, he noted that:
“The management of King (Dr.) Saheed Osupa wishes to inform the general public that the legal action previously instituted against Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has been formally withdrawn on the instruction of Osupa himself.
“It is essential to clarify that the legal proceedings were initially initiated by Osupa’s management team in response to what was considered a grave violation of intellectual property rights and an unacceptable pattern of defamation and public misconduct. Hence, the intention was not personal but to set a precedent that would discourage unruly behavior and promote responsibility, especially among younger artists.”
However, following heartfelt pleas from several prominent Nigerians—among them Alhaji Ahmad Lawal, CEO of Lahmad Concepts; Saheed Ibile, CEO of Harmony Holdings Ltd; Alhaji Fatai Lajero on behalf of Olufimo Royal Parliament; and Alhaji Waheed Ogunsesan, National President of the Olufimo Fans Club—and moved by Portable’s plight following his inability to meet his bail conditions, Osupa gave a personal directive for the immediate withdrawal of the case.
He highlighted that this decision is driven by compassion and the hope that this moment will serve as a turning point in Portable’s life and career, as Osupa believes that while accountability is essential, mercy is also a pillar of leadership. He hopes that Portable will seize this opportunity for reflection, growth, and transformation.
As a condition of this withdrawal, Portable is expected to:
- Retract his statement implying Saheed Osupa should be held responsible if anything happens to him.
- Confess to the falsehood of the public claim of his lawyer, Chief Barrister Isaac Adebayo, about holding Saheed Osupa’s leg begging for forgiveness, because contrary to this claim, Osupa did not even set his eyes on Portable.
- Sign an undertaking to desist from cyberbullying, defamation, and character assassination henceforth.
If these conditions are not met, the case may be reinstated.
He concluded by saying Osupa remains committed to supporting a music industry built on respect, discipline, and mutual growth. He continues to use his platform to guide and uplift the next generation of creatives.
Finally, we appreciate the support of our fans, Fuji lovers worldwide, and well-meaning Nigerians who understood our legal move to protect our image. Your backing means a lot to us, and we’re grateful for your loyalty.
Also, ex-presidential candidate and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore wrote on his official Facebook page, explaining his role in appealing to Osupa to be compassionate toward ‘Portable’ and facilitate his release from the correctional facility.
“Today, I had an extended discussion with King Saheed Osupa Akorede, highlighting that the Nigerian Police Force has no right to criminalize civil disputes.
“He explained that his use of the police was intended to show his non-involvement in any actions that could harm Portable, but acknowledged that his actions might be seen as using.”
