Singer Portable Arrested Over ₦6.3M Performance Dispute and Separate Criminal Charges in Kwara

Nigerian musician Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has been arrested over an alleged breach of contract involving a ₦6.3 million performance fee — the latest in a series of legal troubles for the controversial artist.

The dispute centers on Portable’s failure to perform at the Kwara Tampan Fiesta 1.0, held on September 29, 2024, at the Starwood O2 Arena in Ilorin, Kwara State.

According to SaharaReporters, Portable was fully paid to headline the show, which was the debut edition of the event, but failed to show up.

Event Organisers Demand Refund

A media aide to the Managing Director of Starwood O2 Arena, who requested anonymity, confirmed that Portable’s arrest was related to his failure to honour the performance agreement after receiving full payment.

“This is not about publicity or punishment. The MD simply wants his money back,” the aide said.
“We’ve been trying to resolve this since last year.

Portable was paid but never performed. He later demanded another performance slot instead, which the MD rejected.”

The original contract was reportedly valued at ₦6 million, with an additional ₦300,000 later transferred to cover transportation costs.

On the day of the event, Portable allegedly requested another ₦500,000, but only ₦300,000 was sent, bringing the total payment to ₦6.3 million.

“Now, the MD is demanding a refund of ₦6 million. The ₦300,000 can go as a bonus,” the aide added.

The source emphasized that the venue’s management is not pushing for prolonged police action but simply wants a peaceful settlement.

“This isn’t even an arrest; it’s a peaceful invitation from the police,” the aide clarified. “Once the money is paid back, the matter will be dropped.”

Additional Arrest Linked to Threats Against Fuji Star Osupa

Portable’s arrest was not limited to the performance dispute. He is also facing separate charges in connection with criminal defamation, incitement, and threats to life following a formal complaint by popular Fuji musician Saheed Osupa.

According to a statement by Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, Portable had allegedly made repeated defamatory and threatening remarks against Osupa on social media, sparking concern over a potential breach of public peace.

“The allegations are serious and backed by evidence,” the statement read.
“We obtained a valid arrest warrant and took him into custody in Abeokuta around 7:25 p.m. on April 13. He was immediately transferred to Ilorin for questioning.”

Police say Portable’s statement has been taken in the presence of legal representatives, and arrangements are underway to charge him to court.

The ongoing feud between Portable and Osupa had been escalating online for weeks before the formal arrest. A source close to the matter said the situation forced Osupa to involve law enforcement.

“When threats and verbal attacks go unchecked, things can get out of hand,” the source noted.
“This is a reminder that no one is above the law, even celebrities.”

The Kwara State Police Command has urged the public to remain calm and avoid speculation as legal proceedings unfold. Authorities have assured that due process will be followed.

Portable remains in custody as both the contract dispute and the criminal complaint progress through legal channels.