By Atafo Igbinedion
Ilorin, Nigeria – Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore has secured the release of controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, from an Ilorin prison after intervening in a legal dispute between Portable and Fuji musician King Saheed Osupa Akorede.
Portable had been arrested and remanded following a petition by Osupa, who accused the singer of criminal defamation, threats to life, and incitement. However, Sowore’s intervention led to Osupa withdrawing his complaint, prompting the charges to be dropped.
“Portable is now free from prison custody,” Sowore announced on Tuesday via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
Sowore criticised the Nigeria Police Force for allegedly escalating what he described as a civil matter into a criminal case.
“Today, I had an extended discussion with King Saheed Osupa Akorede highlighting that the Nigeria Police Force has no right to criminalise civil disputes,” Sowore posted. “He explained that his use of the police was intended to show he meant no harm to Portable, but acknowledged it could be seen as repression.”
Following this conversation, Osupa reportedly agreed to drop all charges.
“As a result, he declared that he had dropped the charges against Portable,” Sowore confirmed. “Our position remains unchanged: the Police should refrain from using Cybercrime charges against anyone in the future.”
Portable’s arrest on Sunday was based on a complaint filed by Osupa to the Kwara State Police Command. According to the police, the allegations included criminal defamation, character assassination, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, spokesperson for the Kwara State Police, stated, “The Command secured a valid arrest warrant from a Magistrate Court sitting in Ilorin after reviewing the weight of these allegations and the supporting evidence.”
She added that Portable was arrested in Abeokuta, Ogun State, at about 7:25 p.m. on April 13 and transported to Ilorin for further investigation. His statement was taken in the presence of legal representatives from both sides.
The feud between Portable and Osupa had played out over several weeks on social media, with Portable allegedly directing abusive language and threats at the Fuji musician.
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.”
Despite Portable’s release, Sowore used the opportunity to renew his calls for police reform.
He concluded his post with the hashtags: #EgbetokunMustGo, #RepealCybercrimeAct, and #RevolutionNow—reaffirming his long-standing campaign against police overreach and abuse of power.
