Portable
By Akeem Atoyebi
The recent arrest of Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, aka Portable, is said to be unconnected to an alleged breach of contract involving a performance fee of ₦6.3 million.
This medium gathered that the incident is linked to Portable’s refusal to appear at the Kwara Tampan Fiesta 1.0, an event held on September 29, 2024, at the Starwood O2 Arena in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The singer was reportedly paid to perform at the show, which was the maiden edition of the Kwara Tampan Fiesta, but failed to honour the agreement.
A media aide to the Managing Director of Starwood O2 Arena, who spoke on condition of anonymity, explained in details what transpired.
The assistant gave confirmation that Portable’s arrest was in connection to his alleged failure to honour a performance contract after receiving an upfront payment of ₦6.3 million.
“The arrest is from Starwood O2 Arena over the incident of N6.3 million. But the truth is, the MD is not the type who seeks publicity, which is why he is not available for interviews or public comments.
“However, what the MD truly wants is for Portable to pay back the money. Once Portable can settle the debt, the matter will be over,” the assistant explained.
The media assistant also clarified that the MD of Starwood O2 Arena, despite being out of the country, had always been insistent in his resolve to collect back his money.
“We have been trying to resolve this issue since last year. Portable was paid for the event, but he failed to show up. Instead of attending the show, Portable has been requesting another performance, which the MD is not interested in. He’s not a good ambassador, and after all this, we simply want him to pay the money back,” the assistant said.
“The amount in dispute, as explained, was initially set at N6 million, but an additional N300,000 was transferred for transportation costs, bringing the total sum to N6.3 million.
“On the day of the event, we contacted Portable to confirm his plans, and he requested an extra N500,000 for transportation. Our MD transferred N300,000 to him, so the total amount comes to N6.3 million. Now, the MD is demanding that Portable pay back the N6 million, with the N300,000 as a bonus,” the assistant revealed.
“My boss is currently in Germany, but even if he were here, he wouldn’t want to give interviews. He simply wants the matter resolved peacefully. This isn’t even an arrest; it’s just a peaceful invitation from the police,” the assistant added.
However, Starwood O2 Arena is awaiting Portable’s repayment of the N6.3 million, after which the matter will be considered closed.
It had been earlier reported that the Kwara State Police Command had taken into custody Portable over allegations of criminal defamation, threat to life, incitement, and character assassination against Yoruba Fuji musician Mr. Okunola Saheed, widely known as “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 was sequel to 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.
