Portable Granted ₦1 Million Bail Over Defamation, Cyberstalking Charges in Kwara State
Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has been granted bail in the sum of ₦1 million by an Upper Area Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, following his arraignment on multiple charges ranging from criminal defamation to cyberstalking and public disturbance.
The bail, granted under strict conditions, requires Portable to provide two sureties in like sum—one of whom must be a top official of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), and the other a property owner within a Government Reserved Area (GRA), backed with a valid Certificate of Occupancy.
🔎 What Led to the Arrest?
The case stems from a petition filed by Fuji music legend Saheed Osupa, who alleged that Portable had made defamatory and inflammatory statements against him in a live Instagram broadcast on March 19, 2025.
In the viral video, Portable accused Osupa of sabotaging his music earnings, stating that the veteran artist had reportedly influenced music platforms like Apple Music and Spotify to remove his songs, thus preventing his payout.
“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,” Portable said, in a now widely circulated video.
📜 Legal Standpoint
The charges filed against Portable are weighty, invoking provisions from several Nigerian laws:
Section 392 of the Penal Code – Criminal Defamation
Section 114 – Inciting Public Disturbance
Section 397 – Criminal Intimidation
Cybercrime Act (2015) – Specifically Section 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(c)
Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law (2020) – Sections 10 and 13
During police interrogation, the singer reportedly confessed to the allegations, according to ASP Adeniyi James of the State Intelligence Department (SID).
🗣️ Opinion: When Fame Meets Folly
This saga once again shines a spotlight on Portable’s infamous pattern of reckless behavior on social media, often blurring the lines between showbiz antics and legal violations. While his street credibility and raw energy have won him a loyal following, this incident serves as a sharp reminder that freedom of expression has limits—especially when it causes harm.
Defamation, intimidation, and cyberbullying are not just buzzwords—they are crimes that carry real-world consequences, no matter how viral your persona is. Artists must learn that influence should come with responsibility, and the microphone isn't a license for slander.
🧩 What Next?
Though granted bail, Portable will remain in custody until he meets the bail conditions. The case has been adjourned, and the court has urged both parties to maintain decorum as the legal proceedings continue.
As Portable faces this legal hurdle, one hopes this becomes a turning point—not just for his image, but for how Nigerian entertainers understand the weight of their words in an age where every post is public record.
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