The Oyo State Police Command has arraigned two men, Prophet Moses Idowu and Oladapo Joshua Dunminimnun, over alleged false publications, defamatory statements and actions capable of causing a breach of public peace following the death of gospel singer Olayemi Bayonle Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings.
The suspects were arraigned separately after police investigations into videos and social media publications containing allegations about the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death and members of his family.
According to the police, Idowu was arrested after allegedly visiting a morgue where the singer’s remains were kept and claiming to possess spiritual powers to resurrect the dead.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the suspect recorded a video of the deceased’s body during the visit and subsequently circulated the footage on social media without the consent or authorisation of the family.
The police alleged that the action subjected the singer’s remains to indignity and caused further distress to his relatives.
Idowu was also accused of publishing allegations that the singer’s wife, Mrs Olayemi Elizabeth Damilola, and his manager were responsible for his death, without providing substantiated evidence.
He was arraigned on four counts bordering on the unlawful recording and publication of the deceased’s image, publication of false information, defamation and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
The court ordered that he be remanded at the Correctional Centre and adjourned the case until December 2, 2026, for further proceedings.
In a separate development, the police arrested Dunminimnun on November 12 over videos allegedly accusing the singer’s personal assistant and members of his family of being responsible for his death.
The command said the suspect continued producing and circulating videos containing unsubstantiated allegations despite warnings from the family and police.
It also alleged that he proceeded with the publications despite an undertaking signed by concerned parties to restrict further public statements and publications concerning the deceased.
Dunminimnun was subsequently arraigned on three counts 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 police expressed concern over the circulation of unverified allegations and sensitive images of deceased persons on social media, particularly where grieving families are involved.
The command urged social media users and content creators to verify information before publishing it, avoid making allegations without credible evidence and respect the dignity of deceased persons.
It also advised members of the public to allow established investigative and judicial processes to determine the circumstances surrounding suspicious deaths.
The arraignments followed public attention surrounding Toluwanisings’ death and disagreements among members of his family and associates over aspects of his burial arrangements. The singer died in Ibadan in October and was buried at his residence on November 9, 2026.
AbdulBasit Saba is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
