Controversial Singer, Portable Arrested by Kwara Police Over Defamation Allegations

Controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as “Portable”, has been arrested by operatives of the Kwara State Police Command over allegations bordering on criminal defamation and threat to life.

According to a statement issued by the Police Command’s spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the arrest followed a formal petition lodged by one Mr. Okunola Saheed, widely known in entertainment circles as “Osupa”.

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

Ejire-Adeyemi explained that based on the gravity of the accusations and accompanying evidence, the police obtained a valid arrest warrant from a Magistrate Court in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

“Acting on this warrant, operatives from the Command proceeded to Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Saturday, 13th April 2025, where the suspect was apprehended at about 19:25hrs. He was immediately brought to Ilorin for further investigation,” the statement continued.

The police confirmed that Portable’s statement was taken upon arrival in the presence of legal representatives from both parties. He is currently in custody, and the authorities said arrangements are underway to charge him to court without delay.

The incident stems from Portable’s recent use of a popular phrase associated with Fuji icon Saheed Osupa, which reportedly provoked the latter’s team to lodge a complaint. In addition, the singer had launched a verbal attack on Osupa via social media, calling him unflattering names — a move that attracted widespread criticism from the public.

Although Portable later issued an apology, attributing his actions to a moment of anger, the matter appears to have escalated beyond online reparations.

Further developments are expected as the police move forward with prosecution.