Nigerian singer Badmus Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, briefly regained his freedom on Tuesday before narrowly escaping re-arrest over a separate case.
Portable had been arraigned at the Upper Area Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, following a petition by Fuji musician Okunola Saheed (aka Saheed Osupa), who accused him of defamation, intimidation, inciting public disturbance, and cyberstalking.
The charges stemmed from a March 19, 2025 Instagram live session in which Portable allegedly made derogatory remarks about Osupa, accusing him of jealousy and sabotage.
The charges cited sections of the Penal Code, Cybercrimes Act, and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law.
Although bail was granted at N1 million with two sureties—including a PMAN chairman and a GRA property owner—Portable failed to meet the terms on Monday and was detained at the Oke Kura Correctional Facility.
On Tuesday, however, Osupa withdrew the petition through his lawyer, Opalekunde Ahmed, citing intervention from music industry leaders.
A second lawyer, Abdulqadir Ajasa, confirmed the withdrawal, stating the matter had been resolved amicably and warning Portable against further defamatory actions.
Following his release, Portable left Ilorin the same day, but was nearly re-arrested due to a separate complaint from Starwood Hotels over a failed performance.
Starwood’s Managing Director, Yemi George, claimed Portable was paid N6.3 million for a show during the ‘Kwara TAMPAN Fiesta’ on September 29, 2024, but failed to perform. Despite arriving 16 hours late, the singer reportedly left without taking the stage.
George said he refrained from ordering a re-arrest out of respect for Osupa’s role in resolving the earlier dispute.
A new petition—signed by TAMPAN Governor Chief Olu Amusan and Ayodele Demokun on behalf of Starwood Hotels 02 Arena—called for a full investigation, prosecution, and a refund of the N6.3 million allegedly collected under false pretenses.
This incident adds to Portable’s ongoing legal troubles.
In February 2025, he was declared wanted by the Ogun State Police over an alleged assault on government officials. He later surrendered to the Lagos police.
In May 2024, he was arrested over a N27 million debt involving a G-Wagon.
A viral video showed him leaping over a gate before being apprehended.
His legal challenges began in March 2023 when he was arrested for ignoring a police ultimatum related to an assault case at his bar in Ogun State.
He was later granted bail.