By Funmilayo Akinyemi
In a swift twist, Fuji music legend, Saheed Osupa, has announced plans to withdraw the criminal charges he filed against street singer, Habib Okikiola, popularly known as Portable.
The new twist could pave the way for Portable’s release from custody.
Political activist and AAC presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, shared the news in a Facebook post made earlier today.
Sowore revealed that he had a detailed conversation with Saheed Osupa, during which the musician clarified his intentions behind involving law enforcement in the matter.
According to Sowore, Osupa stated that his actions were not meant to intimidate or harm Portable, but rather to clear himself of any perceived threats to the singer. However, he acknowledged that involving the police could be misinterpreted as an act of repression.
“Today, I had an extended discussion with King Saheed Osupa Akorede, highlighting that the Nigeria Police Force has no right to criminalize civil disputes,” Sowore wrote.
He continued: “Saheed explained that his use of the police was intended to demonstrate that he had no ill intentions toward Portable. Still, he recognized that it could be seen as a misuse of police authority.”
As a result of the conversation, Osupa reportedly decided to drop the charges that led to Portable’s incarceration in Ilorin, where the singer had been held after failing to meet his bail conditions.
Sowore reaffirmed his stance, emphasizing that law enforcement should not use cybercrime laws as a tool for civil or personal grievances in the future.
