Fuji music icon, Saheed Osupa, has decided to withdraw his legal case against fellow musician Portable, citing compassion and public pleas from prominent Nigerians.
The legal dispute began after Portable was arrested by the Kwara State police over allegations of criminal defamation against Osupa. He was accused of threatening Osupa's life, inciting violence, character assassination, using abusive language, and making statements likely to cause a breach of peace. Portable was subsequently remanded in a correctional facility after failing to meet bail conditions of N1 million and providing two sureties, one of whom was required to be the Chairman of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN).
In a press statement released by Osupa's management team, the Fuji icon announced that he would be withdrawing the charges following emotional appeals from various prominent Nigerians. However, Osupa made it clear that the legal action was initially not personal but intended to address what was perceived as a violation of intellectual property rights and an unacceptable pattern of defamation. The goal was to set a precedent for accountability, especially among younger artists in the industry.
As part of the withdrawal agreement, Portable is expected to meet several conditions, including retracting his statement that implied Osupa would be responsible if anything were to happen to him. Additionally, Portable is required to confess the falsehood of claims made by his lawyer, Chief Bar. Isaac Adebayo, who alleged that Portable begged Osupa for forgiveness—Osupa clarified that he had never met Portable. Lastly, Portable must sign an undertaking to refrain from cyberbullying, defamation, and character assassination moving forward.
The statement also warned that if these conditions are not met, the case may be reinstated. The management of Osupa concluded the statement by emphasizing that the legal action was not driven by personal vendetta but was aimed at fostering greater responsibility within the entertainment industry.
