Singer Portable Granted N1m Bail Over Defamation Suit Filed by Fuji Star Osupa

An Upper Area Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, has granted controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, bail in the sum of N1 million following his arraignment on Monday, April 14, 2025.

Portable is facing charges of criminal defamation, intimidation, inciting public disturbance, and cyberstalking. His arrest came after a petition filed by Fuji musician Okunola Saheed, also known as Osupa, who accused Portable of character defamation and threats to his life.

According to the petition, Portable allegedly made defamatory statements during live streams, including a claim that Osupa’s songs had been removed from streaming platforms like Apple Music and Spotify.

During the court session, the police prosecutor, Abubakar Issa, requested that the singer be remanded in custody pending the conclusion of investigations. However, Portable’s lawyer, Barrister Adebayo Isaac, argued against the request, pointing out that the police had already granted his client administrative bail on Sunday.

Adebayo urged the court to grant bail, emphasizing Portable’s status as a public figure with a known address and his willingness to appear for trial. He cited Sections 172(1) and 165 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act in support of the bail application.

In his ruling, presiding Judge Hon. Sunday Adeniyi granted Portable bail in the sum of N1 million, with two sureties — one of whom must be a chairman within the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN).

The case was adjourned to April 30, 2025, for further hearing.