Popular Nigerian street-hop artist, Habeeb Okikiola, widely known by his stage name Portable, has officially been granted bail by a court sitting in Kwara State, following his recent arrest linked to a defamation case filed by renowned Fuji music veteran, Okunola Saheed, popularly referred to as Saheed Osupa.
The highly publicized case, which drew massive attention on social media and in the entertainment space, took a new turn on Monday, April 14, 2025, when Portable was arraigned before a court in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. The presiding judge subsequently granted him bail in the sum of ₦1 million, setting strict conditions for his release.
Confirming the development to newsmen, Portable’s legal representative, Barrister Isaac Adebayo, explained that the bail was granted after an oral application was tendered to the court. According to Adebayo, despite the stringent conditions attached to the bail, his legal team was optimistic about meeting them within the stipulated time.
“The bail conditions were a bit strict, but by God’s grace we will meet them,” the lawyer remarked. He further disclosed that Portable was required to present the Kwara State Chairman of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) as one of his sureties, alongside another individual who owns a landed property located within the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Ilorin, in addition to the sum of ₦1 million.
The case originated from a formal petition filed by Saheed Osupa, in which he accused Portable of several offences including criminal defamation, threat to life, incitement, character assassination, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace. The petition reportedly stemmed from Portable’s alleged utterances and social media posts directed at the veteran Fuji star, which Saheed Osupa claimed were damaging to his reputation and could incite violence.
Providing further context on the issue, Barrister Adebayo said, “Saheed is claiming that he (Portable) defamed his character, intimidated him, and made several dangerous allegations. We were initially at the police station where both the Commissioner of Police and Portable himself pleaded for forgiveness, but Saheed Osupa remained adamant and insisted on pressing charges.”
Meanwhile, the case has continued to stir reactions on social media platforms, with many Nigerians expressing mixed feelings over the incident, the charges filed, and the subsequent bail conditions. While some fans of the street-hop artist have criticized the legal action as excessive, others have emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum and responsibility in public commentary, especially by celebrities.
As it stands, the legal tussle between Portable and Saheed Osupa is far from over, as court proceedings are expected to continue in the coming weeks. Fans and observers alike are keenly watching to see how the legal battle unfolds and whether an out-of-court settlement might eventually be brokered.