ILORIN, Nigeria – Controversial Nigerian singer Portable, known for his hit song “Zazoo Zeh,” has been arrested by the Kwara State Police Command over allegations of criminal defamation, threat to life, incitement, and character assassination against fellow musician Saheed Osupa.
The arrest, which took place on Saturday, April 12, 2025, follows a formal petition filed by Osupa, accusing Portable of using abusive language intended to incite violence and damage his reputation.
According to a statement released on Sunday, April 13, 2025, by Kwara State Police spokesperson Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, Portable was apprehended in Abeokuta, Ogun State, before being transported to Ilorin for further investigation.
The police statement confirmed that Portable’s statement was recorded in the presence of legal representatives from both parties.
“The Kwara State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that following a petition received from one Mr. Okunola Saheed, popularly known as ‘Osupa,’ against Mr. Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, also known in the entertainment industry as ‘Portable,'” the statement said.
“Police detectives of Kwara Command have taken lawful steps in line with due process to investigate the allegations.”
The petition against Portable includes serious charges of criminal defamation, threat to life, incitement, and character assassination, all stemming from the singer’s public statements about Osupa.
These allegations were reportedly backed by supporting evidence, leading to the acquisition of a valid arrest warrant from a Magistrate Court in Ilorin.
The police further stated that Portable was taken into custody following his arrest on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at around 7:25 PM.
The ongoing feud between the two artists dates back to March 2025 when Portable’s song was removed from music platforms like Apple Music and Spotify due to allegations of copyright infringement.
The track in question was claimed to have used a line resembling Osupa’s unique style, prompting Osupa’s team to file a complaint.
In retaliation, Portable publicly called out Osupa using derogatory terms, leading to widespread backlash on social media.
Despite the initial outburst, Portable later issued an apology to Osupa, attributing his earlier remarks to a momentary loss of temper.
However, the ongoing tension between the two musicians appears to have escalated further, resulting in the legal action taken against Portable.
