Defamation: Portable Freed From Ilorin Prison After Saheed Osupa Withdrew Legal Case
The controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable has been freed from a correctional facility in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital,.
This is coming after Fuji star King Saheed Osupa Akorede withdrew the legal case previously instituted against Portable.
The case, which was based on allegations of intellectual property theft, defamation, and persistent public misconduct, was initially filed by Osupa’s management to address what they described as “a grave violation” that could have set a damaging precedent within the music industry.
In a press statement issued on Sunday and signed by Osupa’s media aide, Busari Babatunde (Fountain), the decision to halt legal proceedings was attributed to heartfelt pleas from respected individuals in the entertainment and cultural spheres.
“King Saheed Osupa gave a personal directive for the immediate withdrawal of the case after several prominent Nigerians intervened and pleaded for mercy,” the statement read.
Among those who made appeals were Alhaji Ahmad Lawal, CEO of Lahmad Concepts; Saheed Ibile, CEO of Harmony Holdings Ltd; Alhaji Fatai Lajero representing the Olufimo Royal Parliament; and Alhaji Waheed Ogunsesan, National President of the Olufimo Fans Club.
The turning point reportedly came as Portable struggled to meet his bail conditions, a development that drew public sympathy and calls for leniency.
“While accountability is essential, mercy, too, is a pillar of leadership.
“I hope Portable will seize this opportunity for reflection, growth, and transformation,” the statement quoted Osupa as saying.
In a new development, Nigerian human rights activist Omoyele Sowore disclosed that Portable was released from Ilorin prison.
“Portable is now free from prison custody,” Sowore confirmed on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, Sowore made the development public via his official X handle, criticising the Nigeria Police Force for allegedly criminalising a civil dispute.
“Today, I had an extended discussion with King Saheed Osupa Akorede highlighting that the Nigeria Police Force has no right to criminalise civil disputes,” Sowore wrote.
“He explained that his use of the police was intended to show his non-involvement in any actions that could harm Portable, but acknowledged that his actions might be seen as using the police for repression.”
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
