According to reports, the recent arrest of Nigerian musician Habeeb Okikiola, better known by his stage name Portable, is connected to a purported breach of contract involving a ₦6.3 million performance fee.
SaharaReporters claims that the incident relates to Portable’s nonattendance at the Kwara Tampan Fiesta 1.0, which was place at the Starwood O2 Arena in Ilorin, Kwara State, on September 29, 2024.
In exchange for performing at the first-ever Kwara Tampan Fiesta, the singer had received payment in advance. But when he didn’t follow through on his promise, legal action was taken.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a media assistant to the managing director of Starwood O2 Arena acknowledged that the singer’s arrest was related to his purported breach of contract.
According to the media assistant, Portable did not show up for the planned performance despite having received an upfront payment of ₦6.3 million.
“Starwood O2 Arena made the arrest in connection with the ₦6.3 million incident. The MD, however, is not available for interviews or public remarks because he is not the kind of person who chases attention.
But in reality, the MD wants Portable to reimburse the money. The issue would be resolved if Portable is able to pay up the bill, the assistant clarified.
The media assistant added that the MD of Starwood O2 Arena had always been explicit in his desire for compensation, even though he was out of the country.
Since last year, we have been working to find a solution. Despite being paid for the event, Portable did not appear. Portable has been asking for another performance, but the MD is not interested in going to the show. After all of this, we just want him to return the money since he isn’t a good ambassador,” the assistant stated.
As previously mentioned, the disputed amount was originally established at ₦6 million; however, ₦300,000 was added for transportation expenses, making the total amount ₦6.3 million.
When we asked Portable to clarify his plans on the day of the event, he asked for an additional ₦500,000 for transportation. He received ₦300,000 from our MD, making ₦6.3 million in total. The assistant disclosed that the MD is now requesting that Portable repay the ₦6 million, with the ₦300,000 serving as a bonus.
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