Nigerian Fuji singer Saheed Osupa has withdrawn his legal case against Portable.
Kemi Filani reported on Monday that the Kwara State police had arrested Portable over alleged criminal defamation against Fuji singer Saheed Osupa. He was accused of threat to life, incitement, character assassination, criminal defamation and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace and the use of abusive and insulting words.
The singer was remanded in a correctional facility after failing to meet bail conditions of N1 million and two sureties, one of whom must be the Chairman of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN). His case has been adjourned to April 30, 2025.
In a press statement, the Fuji maestro’s team clarified that he had initiated legal proceedings against Portable in response to what they considered a grace violation of intellectual property rights and an unacceptable pattern of defamation and public misconduct. His team clarified that the legal cause wasn’t personal but setting a precedent to discourage unruly behaviour and promote responsibility, especially among younger artists.
However, after heartfelt pleases from several prominent Nigerians and moved by Portable’s plight following his inability to meet his bail conditions, Osupa gave a personal directive for the immediate withdrawal of the case.
His team added that this decision is driven by compassion and hope that this moment will serve as a turning point in Portable’s life and career.
Saheed’s team gave Portable 3 conditions for his withdrawal: retract his statement, confess to falsehood, and sign an undertaking.
“KING SAHEED OSUPA ORDERS WITHDRAWAL OF LEGAL CASE AGAINST PORTABLE, CITING COMPASSION AND PUBLIC PLEAS
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that the legal action previously instituted against Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has been formally withdrawn on Osupa’s instruction.
It is essential to clarify that the legal proceedings were initially initiated by Osupa’s management team in response to what was considered a grave violation of intellectual property rights and an unacceptable pattern of defamation and public misconduct. Hence, the intention was not personal but to set a precedent that would discourage unruly behaviour and promote responsibility, especially among younger artists.
However, following 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.— and moved by Portable’s plight, following his inability to meet his bail conditions, Osupa gave a personal directive for the immediate withdrawal of the case.
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. He hopes that Portable will seize this opportunity for reflection, growth, and transformation.
As a condition of this withdrawal, Portable is expected to:
Retract his statement implying Saheed Osupa should be held responsible if anything happens to him
Confess to the falsehood of the public claim of his lawyer, Chief Bar. Isaac Adebayo, about holding Saheed Osupa’s leg begging for forgiveness, because contrary to this claim, Osupa did not even set his eyes on Portable
Sign an undertaking to desist from cyberbullying, defamation, and character assassination henceforth”.
Recall that last month Saheed Osupa had reported one of Portable’s songs on Spotify and other streaming platforms for copyright infringement, resulting in the song’s removal from the platform.
An enraged Portable had attacked the Fuji icon, mocking his physique and questioning his relevance in the music industry.
Retracing his steps, Portable later issued an apology and blamed his outburst on greed.
