Controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has been remanded at the Oke Kura Correctional Centre in Ilorin, Kwara State, after failing to meet the stringent bail conditions set by an Upper Area Court.
The “Zazoo Zeh” crooner was arraigned on Monday on charges bordering on defamation, criminal intimidation, incitement, and cyberbullying. The court granted him bail in the sum of ₦1 million with two sureties in like sum. However, the conditions proved too difficult for immediate fulfilment.
According to the court, one of the sureties must be either the Chairman or Secretary of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), while the other must own property within a Government Reserved Area (GRA) in Ilorin, backed by a valid Certificate of Occupancy.
Portable’s legal troubles stem from a petition filed by fellow artist, Okunola Saheed, popularly known as Saheed Osupa. The petition, dated March 21, 2025, alleged that Portable made a defamatory live broadcast on Instagram on March 19, in which he described Osupa as “a tortoise” and accused him of sabotaging his music career by removing his songs from platforms like Apple Music and Spotify.
The police confirmed that Portable confessed to the allegations during interrogation at the State Intelligence Department (SID) in Ilorin. He was charged under multiple laws, including Sections 392, 114, and 397 of the Penal Code, provisions of the Cybercrimes Act, and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2020.
ASP Adeniyi James, the Investigating Police Officer, said the charges followed a directive from police authorities.
Portable, who hails from Oke-Osa in Sango-Ota, Ogun State, remains in custody pending his fulfilment of the bail requirements. His lawyer, Isaac Adebayo, confirmed efforts are underway to secure his release. The case has been adjourned, with the judge urging both parties to maintain decorum as proceedings continue.
