Singer Portable Freed From Ilorin Prison After Sowore’s Mediation In Osupa Dispute

Omoyele Sowore, the Nigerian human rights activist has mediated in the ongoing dispute between Fuji music icon King Saheed Osupa Akorede and controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable.

The intervention led to the withdrawal of charges against Portable, who had been incarcerated in Ilorin over a police complaint filed by Osupa.

Following Sowore’s intervention and Osupa’s withdrawal of the cybercrime charges, 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.”

Portable had earlier been arrested and remanded in a correctional facility in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, reportedly because he could not meet bail conditions after being charged based on Osupa’s complaint.

Following Sowore’s intervention, King Saheed Osupa declared that he had withdrawn all charges against Portable.

“As a result, he declared that he had dropped the charges against Portable,” Sowore confirmed. “Our position remains unchanged: the Police should refrain from using Cybercrime charges against anyone in the future.”

Sowore also reiterated his longstanding call for police reform and accountability, using the hashtags #EgbetokunMustGo, #RepealCybercrimeAct, and #RevolutionNow, reflecting his continued activism against what he sees as systemic abuses of power.

On Sunday night, SaharaReporters reported that the Kwara State Police Command had arrested Portable over allegations of criminal defamation, a threat to life, incitement, and character assassination against Saheed Osupa.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the arrest followed a formal petition filed by Mr. Saheed Osupa alleging that Portable engaged in conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, including the use of abusive and insulting language directed at him.

The statement read, "The petition borders on serious allegations which include criminal defamation, threat to life, incitement, character assassination, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

"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."

According to the police, operatives from the Kwara State Command travelled to Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Saturday, April 13, where Portable was apprehended at about 7:25 p.m. He was immediately transported 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 to court without delay," SP Ejire-Adeyemi confirmed.

The arrest followed several weeks of tension between the two musicians, which spilt over on social media and allegedly included threatening language and defamatory remarks made by Portable against Osupa.

A source close to the case said, “Osupa had no choice but to involve law enforcement after repeated verbal attacks escalated into threats. No one is above the law, and this is a test of how artists should be held accountable for their public conduct.”

In response to the arrest, the Kwara State Police Command urged the public to avoid speculation and allow due process to take its course.

The King @saheedosupa and @portablebaeby cybercrime @policeng repression saga. @portablebaeby is now released after Osuoa withdrew from further trial. pic.twitter.com/E5gqD2ndRz

— Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) April 15, 2025