The Oyo State Police Command has arraigned Prophet Moses Idowu for unlawfully recording and circulating a video of late gospel singer Olayemi Bayonle Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, at a morgue. According to the police, Idowu visited the morgue claiming to possess spiritual powers to resurrect the deceased. He recorded a video of Toluwanisings' body and shared it on social media without the family's consent, subjecting the remains to indignity and causing distress to the bereaved family.
Idowu also made social media publications accusing Toluwanisings' wife, Olayemi Elizabeth Damilola, and his manager of being responsible for his death without any substantiated evidence. He 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 ordered that Idowu be remanded at the Correctional Centre, while the case was adjourned until December 2, 2026, for further proceedings.
In a related development, the police arrested Oladapo Joshua Dunminimnun on November 12 for allegedly making false and defamatory publications on social media about Toluwanisings' death. Dunminimnun circulated videos accusing the deceased's personal assistant and family members of being responsible for his death, despite being aware of an undertaking signed by concerned parties restraining individuals from making such publications.
The police investigation revealed that Dunminimnun continued making the publications despite several warnings and cautions issued by both the family and the Police against the circulation of unverified information. Dunminimnun was arraigned on charges bordering on the 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 until December 11, 2026, for further proceedings.
The Oyo State Police Command expressed concern over the circulation of unverified allegations and sensitive images on social media, particularly in matters involving death and grieving families. The command cautioned members of the public, social media users, and content creators against using digital platforms to spread false information, circulate sensitive images of deceased persons, or make reckless allegations against individuals without credible evidence.
Toluwanisings died in Ibadan on October 14, 2026, after reportedly slumping. His death generated public concern following claims by his personal assistant, Babadunni Gbolabo, that several hospitals declined to admit him while efforts were being made to secure emergency medical attention. His remains were buried at his residence in Ibadan on November 9, in a private ceremony attended by a few guests.
The burial followed weeks of disagreement between Toluwanisings' father, Muniru Adekunle Olayemi, and his widow over his final resting place. The police command urged members of the public to respect the dignity of the dead, show consideration for bereaved families, and allow established investigative and judicial processes to determine issues surrounding suspicious deaths.
Key points
- Prophet Moses Idowu was arraigned for filming and circulating a video of Toluwanisings' corpse at a morgue.
- Oladapo Joshua Dunminimnun was also arrested and arraigned for making false and defamatory publications on social media about Toluwanisings' death.
- The police command cautioned against the circulation of unverified allegations and sensitive images on social media.
