Prophet who claimed he could resurrect Toluwanisings remanded

A court has remanded a self-styled prophet, Moses Idowu, following allegations that he filmed the remains of gospel singer Olayemi “Toluwanisings” Bolaji while claiming he could resurrect him.

The Oyo State Police Command also arraigned content creator Oladapo Dunminimnun in a separate case over videos containing unsubstantiated allegations about the singer’s death and members of his family.

The command’s spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed the developments in a statement on Friday. He said the two defendants were arraigned before courts of competent jurisdiction over separate publications linked to the controversy that followed Toluwanisings’ death.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the gospel singer slumped and died at his Ibadan residence in October. His death subsequently triggered disagreements among his relatives, wife and associates over the circumstances surrounding it and where he should be buried.

The dispute intensified after his paternal family opposed plans by his wife, Elizabeth, and some associates to bury him in a cemetery. Following police intervention, the parties reached an agreement, and the singer was buried at his residence on 9 November.

Alleged resurrection attempt

Mr Olayinka said Mr Idowu visited the morgue where Toluwanisings’ body was kept and claimed to possess the spiritual power to resurrect the dead.

During the visit, the police alleged he recorded the singer’s remains and circulated the footage on social media without obtaining permission from the family.

“In the course of the incident, the suspect recorded a video of the deceased’s body and subsequently circulated the footage on social media without the consent or authorisation of the deceased’s family, thereby subjecting the remains to indignity and causing further distress to the bereaved family,” the police spokesperson said.

The police further accused Mr Idowu of publishing claims that implicated the singer’s widow and personal assistant, Babadunmi Gbolabo, in his death without providing evidence.

He was consequently arraigned on four counts relating to the alleged unlawful recording and publication of false information, publication of defamatory material, indignity to a dead body and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.

The court ordered his remand at a correctional centre and adjourned the case until 2 December for further proceedings.

Content creator arraigned

In a separate case, the police arraigned Mr Dunminimnun on Thursday over videos he allegedly produced and circulated during the dispute surrounding Toluwanisings’ death and burial.

Mr Dunminimnun had interviewed members of the singer’s paternal family as the disagreement over his burial arrangements unfolded.

According to the police, he subsequently published videos accusing some of the singer’s relatives and associates of involvement in his death.

Mr Olayinka said the publications continued despite police warnings and an undertaking signed by the parties to end public exchanges that could escalate the dispute.

“Investigation revealed that the suspect proceeded to produce and circulate videos containing unsubstantiated allegations concerning the deceased, his wife and other family members,” he said.

The police spokesperson added that the publications were made despite repeated cautions against circulating unverified claims about the case.

ALSO READ: Toluwanisings’ death and social media prosecutors, By Festus Adedayo

Mr Dunminimnun faces allegations of spreading false information on Facebook, unlawfully publishing defamatory material and engaging in conduct capable of disturbing public peace.

The court adjourned his case until 11 December for further proceedings.

Police caution social media users

The police expressed concern about the circulation of unverified allegations and sensitive images involving deceased persons on social media.

Mr Olayinka said freedom of expression remained constitutionally protected but must be exercised within the boundaries of the law and with consideration for bereaved families.

“The command cautions 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,” he said.

He urged the public to respect the dignity of the dead and allow investigators and the courts to determine issues arising from suspicious deaths.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Olugbenga, also advised social media users to verify information before publishing it and avoid content that could disrupt public peace.