Portable Walks Free as Saheed Osupa Drops Case in Stunning Turnaround

In a dramatic twist that has captivated fans and observers of the Nigerian entertainment scene, controversial street-hop artist Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has regained his freedom after a heated legal battle with Fuji music legend Saheed Osupa was abruptly brought to an end. The sudden withdrawal of the case by Osupa, which was officially confirmed on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, has left many wondering what truly unfolded behind closed doors to spark such a reversal.

The dispute began after Portable launched into a scathing tirade against Osupa during a live Instagram broadcast on March 19, 2025. In the now-viral video, the self-proclaimed "Wahala Musician" directed harsh and controversial remarks at the veteran Fuji star, calling him “big for nothing” and accusing him of being unwelcoming. He further compared Osupa’s reaction to him sampling his music unfavorably to that of fellow Fuji star, Pasuma, claiming Pasuma embraced him like a son while Osupa chose hostility.

“Saheed Osupa, you are big for nothing. If you can’t embrace me, I will drag you. You sing Fuji while I sing hip hop. The same way I used a line from your music is the same way I removed three verses from Pasuma. But Pasuma never report my song. Keep your distance if you can’t embrace me like the way Pasuma abducted me like his own child,” Portable had declared in the video.

These statements, while typical of Portable’s brash style, were not taken lightly by Saheed Osupa. The Fuji maestro deemed the comments defamatory and damaging to his long-standing reputation. He swiftly filed a formal petition accusing Portable of criminal defamation, cyberstalking, criminal intimidation, and inciting public disturbance. The matter escalated quickly and made its way to the Upper Area Court 1 in Ilorin, Kwara State, where Portable was arraigned on Monday before Chief Magistrate Sunday Adeniyi.

Charged under various sections of the Nigerian Penal Code, the Cybercrimes Act of 2015, and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of 2020, Portable was granted bail in the sum of one million naira. The court imposed strict conditions for his release: two sureties, including a PMAN (Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria) chairman and a property owner within the Government Reserved Area (GRA) under the court’s jurisdiction.

However, in a surprising development, the matter took a different course when Saheed Osupa’s legal representative, Ahmed Opalekunde, submitted a formal notice of withdrawal to the court. According to Opalekunde, the decision to drop the charges came after several appeals and interventions from stakeholders in the Nigerian music industry and other notable figures who urged Osupa to let the matter go for the sake of public peace and unity.

“It’s our client’s (nominal complainant) instruction that the stakeholders in the music industry and other notable personalities in the society have intervened in the matter and pleaded to the nominal complainant to withdraw the case against the defendant in the interest of public peace,” the withdrawal letter read.

The document further stated, “We hereby on behalf of our client apply to withdraw the case against the defendant and terminate same accordingly as the matter had been resolved amicably.”

While the withdrawal effectively ends Portable’s legal ordeal, the court was urged to issue a stern warning to the singer to avoid further controversial outbursts or defamatory statements targeting Saheed Osupa or his business interests. In the letter, Osupa’s team emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and protecting the dignity of all involved parties.

“Further, sir, we want to pray the court to admonish and warn the defendant to desist from any further publications, utterances and any other acts aiming at disparaging the person and businesses of the nominal complainant,” it concluded.

This development has ignited a flurry of reactions across social media, with fans divided over the outcome. Some hailed Osupa for choosing the path of peace, seeing the withdrawal as a noble act that could help deescalate tensions in the entertainment world. Others criticized Portable’s behavior, accusing him of consistently courting controversy and disrespecting established figures in the industry.

For Portable, this latest episode marks yet another chapter in a career punctuated by erratic behavior, public feuds, and frequent brushes with the law. Known for his fiery persona and unfiltered commentary, the singer has developed a reputation as a provocateur in the Nigerian music scene. Yet, despite the controversies, he continues to command a devoted fanbase and maintain relevance through sheer charisma and street appeal.

On the other hand, Saheed Osupa’s decision to take the high road appears to have solidified his status not just as a musical veteran but as a peace-loving elder in the entertainment industry. His willingness to forgive and move forward after being publicly insulted has earned him respect from many quarters, further highlighting the generational divide and differing approaches to fame, respect, and conflict resolution in the Nigerian music ecosystem.

As both artists return to their respective crafts, many hope this episode will serve as a lesson to other entertainers about the power and consequences of their words—especially in the age of social media, where a single broadcast can spark legal drama and public uproar. For now, Portable walks free, but with a cloud of caution hovering over his next move. Whether he chooses to embrace humility or continue on his chaotic path remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the entertainment world will be watching closely.