Nigerian Fuji legend, Saheed Akorede Okunola, popularly known as Osupa on Tuesday stepped in to prevent the re-arrest of controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, widely known as Portable, following a fresh fraud petition against him in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The latest twist comes shortly after Osupa reportedly discontinued his own case against Portable after appeals from prominent Nigerians for an out-of-court settlement.

In the new case, Mr. Yemi George, Managing Director of Starwood Hotels Ilorin, revealed to journalists that he had planned to facilitate Portable’s re-arrest on Tuesday over an alleged N6.3 million scam—but held back out of respect for the Fuji icon.

“I have obtained every necessary document to re-arrest him today in order to recover my money, but out of respect for the legendary Fuji musician, Osupa, he prevailed on me not to,” George stated.

George said his company, Starwood Hotels O2 Arena, in partnership with the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), had contracted Portable for a major performance.

According to a petition titled “Petition for Fraudulent and Obtaining by False Pretence of the Sum of N6.3 Million,” the parties agreed with Portable on July 22, 2024, for him to perform at the Kwara TAMPAN Fiesta held on September 29, 2024. However, he failed to appear on stage as agreed.

Despite arriving more than 16 hours late, Portable allegedly left his hotel without performing.

The petition, signed by Chief Olu Amusan (Governor, TAMPAN) and Ayodele Demokun (on behalf of Starwood Hotels), accused Portable of causing major financial loss and reputational damage. They are demanding a full investigation, prosecution, and refund of the N6.3 million.

This development follows the recent confirmation by the Kwara Police Command’s PPRO, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, that Portable was arrested on Sunday based on a petition by Osupa. That petition involved allegations of criminal defamation, threat to life, incitement, character assassination, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

As controversies around Portable continue to mount, stakeholders are calling for stricter industry regulations to check alleged misconduct among entertainers.