Many were surprised when Fuji musician, Saheed Osupa withdrew a criminal case he filed against Portable. His lawyer explained why he decided settling out of court with the controversial Zazu
Fuji singer Saheed Osupa has withdrawn the criminal case he filed against controversial musician Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable.
The decision to terminate the case was confirmed by Osupa’s lawyer, Ahmed Opalekunde, who revealed on Tuesday that a notice of withdrawal had been filed at the Upper Area Court 1, High Court, Ilorin.
Portable had been dragged to court on Monday by the Kwara State Police Command following a petition filed by Osupa.
The Fuji star had accused Portable of criminal defamation, criminal intimidation, inciting public disturbance and cyberstalking.
The charges were said to be in violation of various sections of the Penal Code, Cybercrimes Act 2015 and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2020.
However, Opalekunde disclosed that his client opted for an out-of-court settlement after interventions from stakeholders in the music industry and other notable individuals.
“It’s our client’s (nominal complainant) instruction that the stakeholders in the music industry and other notable personalities in the society have intervened in the matter and pleaded to the nominal complainant to withdraw the case against the defendant in the interest of public peace,” the withdrawal letter read.
“We hereby on behalf of our client apply to withdraw the case against the defendant and terminate same accordingly as the matter had been resolved amicably.
“Further, sir, we want to pray the court to admonish and warn the defendant to desist from any further publications, utterances and any other acts aiming at disparaging the person and businesses of the nominal complainant.”
The petition had accused Portable of making a defamatory live video on Instagram on March 19, 2025, in which he allegedly accused Osupa of being jealous and attempting to sabotage his career.
“This man dey try to bring down my shine! He be like person wey dey chop snail with shell—him no get sense. Osupa na tortoise. When Apple Music and Spotify wan drop money for me, na him remove my song from platform make I no see money,” Portable said in the video.
Osupa described the comments as inciting, damaging to his reputation and a cause of public unrest.
He further claimed Portable falsely stated that he removed his music from platforms like Apple Music and Spotify, potentially affecting his earnings.
It will be recalled that Chief Magistrate Sunday Adeniyi had on Monday granted Portable bail in the sum of N1 million and two sureties—one being the chairman of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and the other a property owner within the Government Reserve Area under the court’s jurisdiction.