Controversial musician Habeeb Okikiola, better known as Portable, was nearly rearrested in Ilorin after his release from the correctional facility at Okekura on Tuesday. This time, it was due to an alleged fraud involving his failure to perform at the Kwara Tampan Fiesta held at Starwood Hotel, Gaa Akanbi junction, in Ilorin on September 29, 2024, for which he was reportedly paid N6.3 million.
💼 Plans to Rearrest Portable for Alleged Fraud
According to reliable sources, plans were already in motion to rearrest Portable immediately after his release. The arrest was linked to his failure to perform at the event, despite allegedly being paid the substantial sum of N6.3 million. However, his release from detention and subsequent situation was influenced by the intervention of Saheed Osupa, the popular Fuji musician.
A TAMPAN member (Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria) who preferred to remain anonymous revealed that despite multiple attempts to secure his bail, Osupa’s sympathizers were instrumental in keeping Portable behind bars. They allegedly directed those trying to help him with bail to turn back, in order to humble the controversial artist for allegedly insulting their music idol, Saheed Osupa.
🤝 Saheed Osupa’s Intervention
Portable, who was facing fraud allegations related to his no-show at the event, personally contacted Saheed Osupa to apologize for his earlier actions. The apology was followed by several phone calls, which led to Osupa stepping in to intervene on his behalf.
In an interview with journalists in Ilorin on Tuesday, Yemi George, Managing Director of Starwood Hotels, confirmed that Osupa played a crucial role in preventing the rearrest of Portable.
“I had the necessary documents to re-arrest him today to demand a refund of my money. But out of respect for the legendary Fuji musician, Saheed Osupa, I decided not to go ahead with the rearrest,” George explained.
💸 Details of the Alleged Fraud
The incident stemmed from a contract Portable had with Starwood Hotels and TAMPAN, which had organized the Kwara Tampan Fiesta on September 29, 2024. Portable was paid N6.3 million to perform, but he arrived more than 16 hours late and allegedly left the venue without fulfilling his performance commitment. His actions reportedly caused financial losses for the event organizers.
The petition for fraud, titled “Petition for Fraudulent and Obtaining by False Pretense the Sum of N6.3 Million,” revealed that Portable’s failure to perform at the event led to significant distress and financial losses. The petitioners have called for a full investigation into the matter, seeking both prosecution and restitution of the money allegedly obtained fraudulently.
The petition was signed by Chief Olu Amusan, Governor of TAMPAN, and Ayodele Demokun, on behalf of Starwood Hotels O2 Arena.
🚨 Police Involvement
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed Portable’s earlier arrest following a petition from Saheed Osupa. The allegations in the petition include criminal defamation, threat to life, incitement, character assassination, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, and the use of abusive and insulting language.
