Toluwanisings: Prophet, Another Man Arraigned Over Corpse Video, Alleged False Claims
The Oyo State Police Command has arraigned two men in separate cases over the unauthorised filming and circulation of the remains of late gospel singer Olayemi Bayonle Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, and alleged defamatory publications concerning his death.
The suspects, identified as Prophet Moses Idowu and Oladapo Joshua Dunminimnun, were accused of circulating sensitive footage and making unsubstantiated allegations against members of the deceased’s family and associates.
The police disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka.
According to the statement, Idowu was arrested after visiting the morgue where the singer’s remains were deposited, claiming that he possessed the spiritual ability to bring the deceased back to life.
The command alleged that the prophet recorded a video of the singer’s corpse and subsequently circulated the footage on social media without the consent or authorisation of his family.
Police said the action subjected the deceased’s remains to indignity and caused additional distress to his relatives.
Idowu was also accused of publishing allegations that Toluwanisings’ wife, Olayemi Elizabeth Damilola, and his manager were responsible for his death without providing evidence to support the claims.
He was subsequently arraigned on four charges bordering on unlawful recording and publication, defamation, treating a deceased person’s body in an undignified manner and conduct capable of disturbing public peace.
The court ordered that he be remanded in a correctional facility and adjourned the case until December 2, 2026.
In a separate case, the police arraigned Dunminimnun following his arrest on Thursday, November 12, over alleged defamatory and unsubstantiated social media publications concerning the singer’s death.
The command accused him of sharing videos alleging that the deceased’s personal assistant and members of his family had a hand in his death.
According to the police, investigations indicated that Dunminimnun continued making the publications despite being aware of an undertaking signed by parties involved in the dispute, which prohibited the dissemination of information and allegations relating to the matter through social media, print and other communication platforms.
He was charged with offences relating to the publication of false information on Facebook, unlawful publication of defamatory material and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
His case was adjourned until December 11, 2026, for further proceedings.
The police warned social media users, bloggers and content creators against circulating sensitive images of deceased persons or making allegations against individuals without credible evidence.
The command also urged members of the public to respect the dignity of deceased persons and allow established investigative and judicial processes to determine the circumstances surrounding suspicious deaths.
Toluwanisings died in Ibadan, Oyo State, on October 14, 2026, after reportedly collapsing.
His death subsequently generated controversy involving allegations surrounding the circumstances of his passing and disagreements between his family and associates over his burial arrangements.
On November 3, the Oyo State Police Command intervened in the dispute, leading the singer’s wife, father, friends and associates to sign a peace undertaking before the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga.
The agreement required the parties to stop public exchanges and publications capable of escalating tensions surrounding the singer’s death and burial.
The latest arraignments come amid the police command’s efforts to address the circulation of unverified allegations and sensitive materials connected to the incident.
Both defendants are facing allegations before the court, and the charges have not been established as convictions.
