The Oyo State Police Command has arraigned two men for unauthorized recording and circulation of the corpse of late gospel singer, Olayemi Bayonle Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings. According to the police, the first suspect, Prophet Moses Idowu, visited the morgue where the singer's body was kept, claiming he had spiritual powers to resurrect him. Idowu recorded a video of the corpse and circulated it on social media without the family's consent.
Prophet Idowu's actions subjected the remains to indignity and caused further distress to the bereaved family. He also allegedly accused the singer's wife, Olayemi Elizabeth Damilola, and his manager of being responsible for his death, without any substantiated evidence. As a result, Idowu was arraigned on four counts bordering on unlawful recording and publication of false information, defamation, indignity to a deceased human body, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
The court remanded Idowu at the Correctional Centre and adjourned the case to December 2, 2026. The second suspect, Oladapo Joshua Dunminimnun, was arrested on Thursday, November 12, over alleged false and defamatory publications on social media. Dunminimnun circulated videos accusing the deceased's personal assistant and family members of causing his death, despite an undertaking restraining parties from making publications about the deceased.
Dunminimnun was arraigned on charges bordering on publication of false news on Facebook, unlawful publication of defamatory matter, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace. His case was adjourned to December 11, 2026. The police cautioned members of the public, social media users, and content creators against spreading false information, circulating sensitive images of deceased persons, or making reckless allegations without credible evidence.
Toluwanisings died in Ibadan on October 14, 2026, after reportedly slumping. He was buried at his residence in Ibadan on November 9 in a private ceremony, following weeks of disagreement between his father, Muniru Adekunle Olayemi, and his widow over his final resting place. The police spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed the arraignment in a statement on Friday, November 13, 2026.
The Oyo State Police Command's action is aimed at curbing the spread of false information and protecting the dignity of the deceased and their families. The police urged the public to be mindful of their online activities and to verify information before sharing it. This case highlights the need for responsible social media usage and the consequences of spreading false information.
The arraignment of Prophet Idowu and Oladapo Joshua Dunminimnun serves as a warning to those who would engage in similar activities. The police will continue to monitor social media activities and take action against those who spread false information or engage in other forms of cybercrime.
Key points
- Prophet Moses Idowu was arraigned on four counts bordering on unlawful recording and publication of false information, defamation, indignity to a deceased human body, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
