Police Arrest Musician Portable Over Alleged Criminal Defamation

Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has been arrested by the Kwara State Police Command over allegations of criminal defamation, threat to life, incitement, and character assassination against Yoruba Fuji musician Mr. Okunola Saheed, widely known as “Osupa.”

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the arrest followed a formal petition filed by Mr. Saheed Osupa alleging that Portable engaged in conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, including the use of abusive and insulting language directed at him.

The statement read, “The petition borders on serious allegations which include criminal defamation, threat to life, incitement, character assassination, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

“In view of the weight of these allegations and the supporting evidence presented, the Command secured a valid arrest warrant from a Magistrate Court sitting in Ilorin.”

According to the police, operatives from the Kwara State Command travelled to Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Saturday, April 13, where Portable was apprehended at about 7:25 p.m. He was immediately transported to Ilorin for further investigation.

“Upon his arrival, the suspect’s statement was taken in the presence of legal representatives from both parties. He is currently in custody and arrangements are being made to charge him to court without delay,” SP Ejire-Adeyemi confirmed.

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The arrest follows several weeks of tension between the two musicians, which spilt over on social media and allegedly included threatening language and defamatory remarks made by Portable against Osupa.

A source close to the case said, “Osupa had no choice but to involve law enforcement after repeated verbal attacks escalated into threats. No one is above the law, and this is a test of how artists should be held accountable for their public conduct.”

In response to the arrest, the Kwara State Police Command urged the public to avoid speculation and allow due process to take its course.

“We remain committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served in a fair and transparent manner. We urge members of the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information. Further updates on the case will be communicated as events unfold,” she added.