The Oyo State Police Command has arraigned two men over allegations of desecrating the corpse of late gospel singer Olayemi Bayonle Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, defaming individuals and spreading false information about his death.
The suspects, identified as Prophet Moses Idowu and Oladapo Dunmininu, were accused of circulating videos alleging that the deceased’s wife, personal assistant, manager and other relatives were responsible for his death.
The command’s spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed in a statement on Friday that Mr Idowu was arrested after visiting the morgue where the singer’s remains were kept, claiming he had the power to resurrect him.
According to the police, the prophet recorded the deceased’s body and uploaded the footage on social media without obtaining the family’s consent. He also allegedly made accusations against the singer’s wife and manager.
The police said Mr Idowu was arraigned on four counts, including unlawfully recording and publishing false information, defamation, treating the corpse in an undignified manner through unauthorised recording and publication, and engaging in conduct capable of disturbing public peace.
The court ordered that he be remanded at a correctional facility and adjourned the matter until December 2, 2026.
In a related development, the police said Mr Dunmininu was arrested on Thursday over videos he allegedly published accusing the singer’s personal assistant and family members of having a hand in his death.
The command noted that he continued making the publications despite previous police warnings and an undertaking by concerned parties to refrain from making public comments about the deceased.
He was subsequently arraigned on three counts bordering on the publication of false information on Facebook, defamation and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace. The court adjourned his case until December 11, 2026.
The police cautioned social media users against spreading unverified allegations and sharing sensitive images, particularly those involving deceased persons.
It also urged the public to respect the dignity of the dead, consider the feelings of bereaved families and allow relevant investigative and judicial authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding suspicious deaths.
The command further reminded Nigerians that freedom of expression does not place anyone above the law, urging them to verify information before sharing it.
Toluwanisings died on October 14 after reportedly collapsing at his residence.
He was buried in a private ceremony at his residence in Ibadan on Monday.
