Kazeem Imole
Entertainment Correspondent
Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, aka Portable, a controversial and popular Nigerian artist best known for the hit track “Zazoo Zeh.”
He has been remanded in Oke Kura Correctional Centre, Ilorin, pending the fulfillment of bail conditions after being charged with:
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Criminal defamation (Section 392)
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Inciting public disturbance (Section 114)
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Criminal intimidation (Section 397)
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Offences under the Cybercrimes Act (2015)
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Breach of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law (2020)
Why: A petition by fellow artist Okunola Saheed Osupa (Osupa) claims that Portable defamed him via a live Instagram broadcast on March 19, 2025, accusing Osupa of sabotaging his earnings from streaming platforms.
Quote from Portable’s live video:
“This man dey try bring down my shine!… Osupa na tortoise… na him remove my song from platform make I no see money.”
Bail Conditions:
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N1 million bail
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Two sureties:
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A PMAN official (Chairman/Secretary)
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A property owner in Ilorin GRA with a C of O
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Portable couldn’t meet these terms immediately, resulting in temporary remand.
Key Takeaways
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Severity of Charges: These aren’t just civil defamation charges—Portable is facing criminal charges, including those under Nigeria’s Cybercrime and Anti-Violence laws, showing how seriously online statements are now treated.
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Impact on Career: Depending on how long he remains in custody or how the case proceeds, this could impact his bookings, music drops, and endorsements.
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Public Persona: Portable is known for erratic behavior and viral controversies. This case could either damage his public image or, ironically, boost it among fans who view him as rebellious or outspoken.
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Legal Precedent: The inclusion of cybercrime laws is a growing trend in Nigeria to address online behavior—especially by public figures.
