Saheed Osupa withdraws defamation case against Portable

Nigerian Fuji veteran singer, Akorede Babatunde Okunola, popularly known as Saheed Osupa, has ordered the withdrawal of his legal case against controversial Afrobeats artist, Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, known widely as Portable.

This is after Portable was remanded at the Oke Kura Correctional Centre in Ilorin for failing to meet the bail conditions set by an Upper Area Court in Kwara State on Monday, April 14.

Recall that the 31-year-old singer was granted bail in the sum of ₦1 million conditional upon the provision of two sureties in like sum.

One of which must be either the Chairman or Secretary of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, while the other must possess a landed property within a Government Reserved Area, backed by a valid Certificate of Occupancy.

Also recall that he was arrested on Sunday, April 13, following a petition filed by Osupa in which he accused Portale of criminal defamation, threats to life, incitement, character assassination, and conduct likely to disturb public peace.

Now, Osupa’s team, in a press release, have not only annnounced a withdrawal but also clarified the reason for the initial legal charges against Portable.

They stated that the proceedings were filed as a response to what they regarded a gross violation of intellectual property rights and an unacceptable pattern of defamation and public misconduct. 

They went on to add that the legal case aimed to serve as a precedent to deter unruly behaviour and promote responsibility, especially among younger artists. 

This decision, they further assert, is driven by compassion and hope that this moment will serve as a turning point in Portable’s life and career. 

They, however, gave Portable three conditions for the withdrawal of the legal case. He is to retract his statement, confess to falsehood, and sign an undertaking.