Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, known by fans as Portable, has been sent to the Oke Kura Correctional Centre in Ilorin, Kwara State, after failing to meet the bail terms granted by an Upper Area Court.
The singer, who is facing charges related to defamation, was given bail set at ₦1 million on Monday, but he has remained in custody due to strict conditions attached to his release.
The court asked for two sureties.
One must be either the Chairman or Secretary of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), and the second must be a property owner in a Government Reserved Area (GRA) in Ilorin with a valid Certificate of Occupancy.
These requirements have so far prevented Portable from securing his freedom.
The case was initiated after a petition was submitted by fellow artist Okunola Saheed Osupa, popularly known as Osupa.
The petition, dated March 21, 2025, accused Portable of defamation. It was reported that on March 19, Portable went live on Instagram and made several offensive remarks about Osupa.
He accused him of being jealous and attempting to ruin his music career by allegedly removing his songs from streaming platforms.
Osupa claimed that the statements made by Portable were not only false but also intended to tarnish his image and cause unrest among the public.
Following investigations by the State Intelligence Department of the Nigeria Police, Portable was said to have admitted to making the comments.
He now faces multiple legal charges, including criminal defamation, incitement, intimidation, and cyber-related offenses under Nigerian law.
He is also charged under sections of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of 2020.
The police confirmed that the charges were based on instructions from higher authorities.
The matter has been adjourned for further hearing, and the judge has asked everyone involved to remain calm while the legal process continues.
Portable, who hails from Sango-Ota in Ogun State, will remain in custody until he is able to meet the court’s demands.
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