Singer Portable Arrested In Kwara For Defamation, Threat To Life
Operatives of the Kwara State Police Command have arrested controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as “Portable”, over a fresh set of criminal allegations.
According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, Portable’s arrest followed a petition filed by Fuji musician Mr. Okunola Saheed, known as Osupa.
Ejire-Adeyemi, in the petition, alleged multiple offences, including criminal defamation, threat to life, incitement, character assassination, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, and the use of abusive and insulting language.
“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.
“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,” the statement read.
Acting on the warrant, police operatives travelled to Abeokuta, Ogun State, where Portable was arrested on Saturday, April 13, 2025, at about 7:25 p.m.
He was subsequently transferred to Ilorin for further investigation.
“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 19:25 hrs. He was immediately brought 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 in court without delay,” the statement added.
The feud between the “Zaazoo” crooner and the veteran Fuji singer escalated after Portable reportedly used a line in his music associated with Osupa.
He later went online to insult the Fuji star in a now-deleted video that sparked backlash on social media platforms.
Although Portable later issued an apology, Osupa’s team proceeded with legal action.
This latest arrest adds to the list of legal cases Portable has faced in recent years.
In June 2022, Portable was invited for questioning and detained by the Ogun State Police after he allegedly ordered an assault on disc jockey DJ Chicken.
He was later granted bail due to a strike affecting court operations at the time.
In April 2023, the singer was again arrested and arraigned on six counts, including assault and theft.
The charges stemmed from an alleged attack on a man named Osimosu Emmanuel Oluwafemi and the theft of musical equipment.
Portable was also accused of resisting arrest and injuring a police officer. He pleaded not guilty and was released on bail.
In May 2024, Portable was arrested in Lagos over an N27m G-Wagon purchase dispute. He was said to have paid only N13m and refused to complete the payment.
A video of him trying to escape arrest by jumping over a gate went viral before he was taken into custody.
Months later, in February 2025, he was declared wanted by the Ogun State Police for allegedly leading an attack on officials from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development during a routine enforcement operation.
He later surrendered himself in Lagos before being transferred to Ogun for questioning.
As of the time of press, Portable is still in custody in Ilorin, with the Kwara State Police Command assuring the public that due process will be followed in bringing the singer to justice.
Singer Portable Arrested In Kwara For Defamation, Threat To Life is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
