Popular Fuji maestro, Saheed Osupa, has reportedly stepped in to prevent the re-arrest of controversial street-hop artiste, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, over an alleged N6.3 million fraud involving Starwood Hotels in Ilorin.
Portable, who had just regained his freedom on Tuesday following the withdrawal of a defamation suit filed against him, was nearly re-arrested after a fresh petition emerged.
The Managing Director of Starwood Hotels Ilorin, Mr. Yemi George, said he had filed a formal complaint with the police over Portable’s failure to honour a performance agreement despite receiving full payment.
According to George, the singer was paid N6.3 million for a performance at the Kwara TAMPAN Fiesta held on September 29, 2024, but failed to show up at the agreed time.
“He arrived late, and even after lodging in our hotel, he sneaked out without performing. I already secured all necessary documents to effect his re-arrest today (Tuesday), but out of respect for the legendary Fuji musician, Saheed Osupa, I decided to hold off,” he said.
George explained that the event was jointly organised by Starwood Hotels’ O2 Arena and the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN).
The petition, signed by Chief Olu Amusan, TAMPAN Governor, and Mr. Ayodele Demokun on behalf of Starwood Hotels, accused Portable of breach of contract and obtaining money under false pretence. They are demanding a full investigation, prosecution, and refund of the said amount.
The police in Kwara State had earlier confirmed Portable’s arrest following a previous petition by Osupa, which alleged criminal defamation, threat to life, incitement, character assassination, and use of abusive language.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, in a statement, said the petition raised serious concerns requiring investigation.
Portable is yet to publicly react to the latest allegation.
