Portable: Osupa withdraws defamation suit with conditions

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Prominent Fuji artiste, Saheed Osupa on Tuesday ordered conditional withdrawal of the defamation case he instituted against against popular musician, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable

Portable who was arrested on Sunday evening in Ota, Ogun State and taken to Ilorin, Kwara State by the police based on petition by Osupa.

He was subsequently arraigned on charges bordering on defamation and libel on Tuesday.

He was remanded in prison following his inability to meet the bail conditions stipulated by the court.

However, in a statement on Tuesday, the management of King (Dr.) Saheed Osupa said the the legal action instituted against Portable has been formally withdrawn.

The Fuji musician’s management, in the statement signed by Busari Basit Babatunde (Fountain), said the case was withdrawn by Osupa in response to to pleas from several prominent Nigerians.

The management listed those those who made the pleas to include Alhaji Ahmad Lawal, CEO of Lahmad Concepts, and Saheed Ibile, CEO of Harmony Holdings Ltd, Alh. Fatai Lajero on behalf of Olufimo Royal Parliament, and Alh. Waheed Ogunsesan, National President Olufimo Fans Club.

The statement also indicated that Osupa ordered the withdrawal of the case following inability of Portable to meet his bail conditions

The Fuji musician’s management emphasized that the petition that got Portable arrested was response to “a grave violation of intellectual property rights and an unacceptable pattern of defamation and public misconduct”.

“Hence, the intention was not personal, but to set a precedent that would discourage unruly behavior and promote responsibility, especially among younger artistes.”

“Please note that this decision is driven by compassion and the hope that this moment will serve as a turning point in Portable’s life and career, as Osupa believes that while accountability is essential, mercy, too, is a pillar of leadership.

“He hopes that Portable will seize this opportunity for reflection, growth, and transformation.

As a condition of this withdrawal, Portable is expected to:

However, the management of Osupa said the withdrawal of the case will also be conditional on Portable meeting some conditions.

The conditions, according to the statement, include Portable retracting his statement implying Saheed Osupa should be held responsible if anything happens to him.

The embattled hip-hop musician was also mandated to confess to the falsehood of the public claim of his lawyer, Chief Bar. Isaac Adebayo, about holding Saheed Osupa’s leg begging for forgiveness.

This, the management said was because contrary to this claim, Osupa did not even set his eyes on Portable

Also, Portable was to sign an undertaking to desist from cyberbullying, defamation, and character assassination henceforth.

“If these conditions are not met, the case may be reinstated.

“Osupa remains committed to supporting a music industry built on respect, discipline, and mutual growth. He continues to use his platform to guide and uplift the next generation of creatives.

“Finally, we appreciate the support of our fans, Fuji lovers worldwide, and well-meaning Nigerians who understood our legal move to protecting our image. Your backing means a lot to us, and we’re grateful for your loyalty.”