The Oyo State Police Command has arraigned two men over the unauthorised recording and circulation of the remains of late gospel singer Olayemi Bayonle Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, as well as alleged defamatory publications accusing members of his family of involvement in his death.
The police disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka.
One of the suspects, identified as Prophet Moses Idowu, was arrested following his visit to the morgue where the late singer’s body was deposited. He had reportedly claimed to possess spiritual powers capable of bringing a dead person back to life.
According to the police, Idowu allegedly recorded the deceased’s body during the visit and subsequently shared the footage on social media without the consent of the family.
The command said the action subjected the remains to indignity and caused additional emotional distress to the bereaved family.
The prophet was also accused of publishing allegations that the singer’s wife, Olayemi Elizabeth Damilola, and his manager were responsible for his death, without providing credible evidence to substantiate the claims.
He was subsequently 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 his remand at the Correctional Centre and adjourned the case until December 2, 2026, for further proceedings.
In a separate development, the police announced the arrest of another suspect, identified as Oladapo Joshua Dunminimnun, on Thursday, November 12, over alleged false and defamatory publications concerning the singer’s death.
The suspect was accused of circulating videos on social media alleging that the deceased’s personal assistant and some members of his family were responsible for his death.
The police said investigations revealed that Dunminimnun continued making the publications despite being aware of an undertaking signed by concerned parties, which reportedly restrained individuals from making public statements about the deceased through print or other media.
The command further stated that the publications persisted despite several warnings from the family and the police against spreading unverified information.
Dunminimnun was 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.
Reacting to the incidents, the police expressed concern over the growing circulation of unverified allegations and sensitive images on social media, particularly in matters involving deceased persons and grieving families.
The command warned social media users and content creators against spreading false information, sharing images of deceased persons without authorisation and making unsubstantiated accusations against individuals.
It 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 the circumstances surrounding suspicious deaths.
Toluwanisings died in Ibadan on October 14, 2026, after reportedly collapsing.
His death attracted widespread public attention following allegations by his personal assistant, Babadunni Gbolabo, that several hospitals allegedly refused to admit the singer while efforts were being made to secure emergency medical assistance.
The gospel singer was eventually buried at his residence in Ibadan on November 9, in a private ceremony attended by a limited number of guests.
His burial followed weeks of disagreement between his father, Muniru Adekunle Olayemi, and his widow over where his remains should be laid to rest.
His father had reportedly preferred that he be buried either at a house he built or beside his late mother in Ikirun, Osun State.
