Veteran Fuji musician Saheed Osupa has formally withdrawn the legal case filed against controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, over allegations of defamation.
The development was confirmed in a press statement issued on Tuesday, where Osupa’s media aide, Busari Basit Babatunde, announced that the case was discontinued following the musician’s personal directive, citing compassion and public appeals.
According to the statement, “The management of King (Dr.) Saheed Osupa wishes to inform the general public that the legal action previously instituted against Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has been formally withdrawn on the instruction of Osupa himself.”
The statement clarified that the lawsuit, which was initially initiated by Osupa’s management, was not a personal vendetta but a step to “set a precedent that would discourage unruly behavior and promote responsibility, especially among younger artists.”
The statement added that Osupa’s decision to withdraw the suit reportedly came after “heartfelt pleas from several prominent Nigerians—amongst whom are Alhaji Ahmad Lawal, CEO of Lahmad Concepts, and Saheed Ibile, CEO of Harmony Holdings Ltd, Alh. Fatai Lajero on behalf of Olufimo Royal Parliament, and Alh. Waheed Ogunsesan, National President Olufimo Fans Club.” It also followed Portable’s continued detention after failing to meet bail conditions.
“Please note that this decision is driven by compassion and the hope that this moment will serve as a turning point in Portable’s life and career, as Osupa believes that while accountability is essential, mercy, too, is a pillar of leadership,” the statement added.
However, the withdrawal is not without conditions. According to the statement, Portable is expected to retract specific defamatory statements, clarify a false claim attributed to his lawyer, and sign an undertaking to desist from any form of cyberbullying or character defamation in the future. “If these conditions are not met, the case may be reinstated,” the statement warned.
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Osupa also reaffirmed his commitment to fostering discipline and mutual respect within the Nigerian music industry.
“Osupa remains committed to supporting a music industry built on respect, discipline, and mutual growth. He continues to use his platform to guide and uplift the next generation of creatives.”
The development follows the recent arrest of Portable by the Kwara State Police Command after Osupa filed a petition accusing the singer of “criminal defamation, threat to life, incitement, character assassination, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace and the use of abusive and insulting words.”
According to the police, the arrest was carried out in Abeokuta on Saturday, April 13, and the suspect was transferred to Ilorin where he remains in custody as arrangements for his court arraignment were being finalised.
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