Nigerian street artist, Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, better known as Portable, has found himself in the news again, but for all the wrong reasons. According to a statement released by Potpourri, Portable had entered into an agreement with Mr. Musibau Olawale Babalola, a US-based music promoter and Chief Executive of Fathia Entertainment LLC, for a musical concert collaboration.
As per the agreement, Portable was to perform in 8-10 North American cities, and the promoter was to procure an American Visa for Portable and his crew members. The promoter engaged the services of an American Attorney and paid the sum of $12,000 to secure a work permit for Portable, as well as the statutory fee of $3,950 for USCIS.
The promoter also paid Portable the sum of $2,500, N3.4M, and N1M respectively, and a date was fixed for the Visa interview at the American Embassy. However, Portable’s unprofessional conduct at the US embassy and other abrasive behaviors caused him to be denied the Visa on two occasions.
It is believed that Portable’s claims on social media of being a founding member of a dreaded cult group could have contributed to his denial of the Visa. The US Embassy does not issue Visas to individuals of questionable character, and this could have been a significant factor.
After the Visa denial saga, an agreement was reached between the promoter and Portable, whereby Portable would refund all the expenses incurred. However, Portable reneged on his promise to balance up after making the first installment of N2M, and the promoter engaged the services of M.B. Fabunmi Esq of the law firm of Messrs Hoxton Partners to commence legal proceedings against Portable to recover the said debt and damages.
The lawyer’s letter to Portable demanded the sums of $29,890 and N3.4M from him, but Portable denied owing the music promoter any $29,890, admitting only to owing the sum of N8M from which N2M has been paid. This suit has been assigned to Honourable Justice Ogala of the Ikeja High Court.
It remains to be seen how this case will play out, but Portable’s reputation has certainly taken a hit with this latest news.
