The Oyo State Police Command has arraigned two men, identified as Prophet Moses Idowu and Oladapo Joshua Dunminimnun, over the alleged circulation of false information, defamatory statements and unauthorised videos relating to the death of popular Nigerian gospel singer, Olayemi Bayonle Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings.
The update was released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade.
According to the release, the suspects were arraigned separately following police investigations into their alleged involvement in publishing unsubstantiated allegations about the deceased and members of his family on social media.
According to the police, their actions allegedly caused additional emotional distress to the bereaved family and raised concerns about the circulation of sensitive images of deceased persons.
Why Prophet Moses Idowu Was Arraigned
In the first case, Prophet Moses Idowu, also known as Woli Arugbo Ojo, was arrested after allegedly visiting a morgue where Toluwanisings’ remains were deposited.
The cleric reportedly claimed that he possessed spiritual powers to resurrect the deceased singer.
However, the police alleged that during the visit, Idowu recorded a video of the singer’s corpse and subsequently circulated the footage on social media without the consent or authorisation of the family.
He was also accused of making publications alleging that the deceased’s wife, Mrs Olayemi Elizabeth Damilola, and his manager were responsible for his death, without providing substantiated evidence.
Consequently, he was arraigned on four counts bordering on:
- Unlawful recording and publication of false information.
- Unlawful publication of defamatory material.
- Subjecting a deceased human body to indignity by recording and publishing its image without the family’s consent.
- Conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
Following his arraignment, the court ordered that he be remanded at a correctional centre.
His case was adjourned until December 2, 2026, for further proceedings.
Why Oladapo Joshua Was Also Arraigned
In a related development, the police arrested Oladapo Joshua Dunminimnun on November 12, 2026, over alleged false and defamatory publications concerning the late singer.
According to the police, Joshua allegedly circulated videos accusing Toluwanisings’ personal assistant and members of his family of being responsible for his death.
The police further disclosed that investigations revealed that he continued producing and circulating videos containing unsubstantiated allegations despite being aware of an undertaking signed by concerned parties restricting publications about the deceased.
The command also said the publications continued despite several warnings and cautions issued by the family and the police against spreading unverified information.
Joshua was subsequently arraigned on charges bordering on the publication of false news 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.
Police Warn Social Media Users Against Spreading Unverified Information
Reacting to the development, the Oyo State Police Command cautioned social media users, content creators and members of the public against circulating unverified information, exposing sensitive images of deceased persons and making reckless allegations against individuals without credible evidence.
The police emphasised that although citizens have the right to freedom of expression, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law.
The command also urged Nigerians to respect the dignity of the dead, show consideration for grieving families and allow established investigative and judicial processes to determine circumstances surrounding suspicious deaths.
