14th April , 2025
Taiwo Ogunniyi
A Kwara State Upper Area Court in Ilorin has granted bail to controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, in the sum of N1 million following his arraignment on charges related to criminal defamation, cyberbullying, inciting disturbance and intimidation.
Portable was arraigned after a petition filed by fellow musician, Okunola Saheed Osupa, popularly known as Osupa, who accused him of launching a defamatory verbal attack during an Instagram live broadcast on March 19, 2025.
In the viral video, Portable was alleged to have made inflammatory remarks about Osupa, claiming he was envious of his rising fame and had sabotaged his earnings from music streaming platforms.
“This man dey try bring down my shine! He be like person wey dey chop snail with shell—him no get sense. Osupa na tortoise. When Apple Music and Spotify wan drop money for me, na him remove my song from platform make I no see money,” he was quoted as saying.
The police, through the State Intelligence Department (SID), confirmed that Portable admitted to the allegations during interrogation, adding that the case was filed based on a directive from higher authorities.
The charges, marked under FIR 117(1) CPC, cover offences under multiple laws including Sections 392, 114 and 397 of the Penal Code, the Cybercrimes Act 2015, and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law 2020.
Bail conditions set by the court require two sureties in like sum. One must be a top official of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), while the other must possess landed property in a Government Reserved Area (GRA) with a Certificate of Occupancy.
Speaking to journalists after the court sitting, the Investigating Police Officer, ASP Adeniyi James, said, “This case sends a clear message that artists must be mindful of the power of their platforms. Words have consequences, especially when they incite hatred or damage reputations.”
The trial judge has adjourned the matter and cautioned both parties to refrain from further public confrontations until the case is concluded.
Portable, who hails from Oke-Osa, Sango-Ota in Ogun State, remains in custody pending the fulfillment of his bail terms.
