Prophet Moses Idowu: Toluwanisings Corpse Arraignment for Indignity, Defamation

• Prophet Moses Idowu was arraigned by the Oyo State Police Command for unlawfully recording and circulating video of gospel singer Toluwanisings' corpse.
• Idowu also faces charges for defaming the singer's wife and manager by accusing them of his death without evidence.
• Oladapo Joshua Dunminimnun was separately charged for persistently spreading false and defamatory claims on social media about the singer's family.
• Both individuals face charges including indignity to a deceased human body, defamation, and conduct likely to breach public peace.
• The Oyo State Police Command has cautioned the public against circulating unverified information and sensitive images of deceased persons on social media.

The charges brought against both Prophet Moses Idowu and Oladapo Joshua Dunminimnun highlight the severe legal risks associated with such actions in Nigeria.

Prophet Moses Idowu has been formally charged by the Oyo State Police Command following his alleged involvement in the unauthorized recording and dissemination of footage depicting the deceased gospel artist, Olayemi Bayonle Bolaji, known as Toluwanisings. The charges stem from an incident where Idowu visited a morgue housing the singer's remains, purportedly claiming to possess spiritual capabilities for resurrection. During this visit, he reportedly captured video of the late artist's body and subsequently circulated this sensitive material across social media platforms without obtaining the necessary consent or authorization from the grieving family. This action, according to authorities, not only subjected the deceased's remains to indignity but also inflicted further emotional distress upon the bereaved relatives.

Beyond the unlawful recording, Idowu faces accusations of making unsubstantiated claims regarding the circumstances of Toluwanisings' death. Specifically, he is alleged to have published statements on social media implicating the singer's wife, Olayemi Elizabeth Damilola, and his manager in the artist's demise, all without presenting any verifiable evidence to support such serious allegations. Consequently, the Prophet Moses Idowu Toluwanisings corpse arraignment includes four distinct counts. These charges encompass the unlawful recording and publication of false information, defamation, committing an indignity to a deceased human body, and engaging in conduct likely to disrupt public peace. Following his arraignment, the court ordered his remand at a Correctional Centre, with further proceedings scheduled for December 2, 2026.

In a related development underscoring the pervasive issue of misinformation, Oladapo Joshua Dunminimnun was also apprehended by the Oyo State Police Command on November 12. Dunminimnun stands accused of circulating false and defamatory content on various social media channels. His alleged actions involved the dissemination of videos that pointed fingers at the deceased singer's personal assistant and other family members, holding them responsible for Toluwanisings' untimely passing.

Investigations conducted by the police revealed that Dunminimnun persisted in making these publications despite being fully aware of a formal undertaking. This document, signed by all concerned parties, explicitly aimed to prevent individuals from making public statements about the deceased through print or other media. Furthermore, his continued online activity defied multiple warnings and cautions issued by both the family of the late artist and the police, which specifically advised against the circulation of unverified information. The Oladapo Joshua Dunminimnun arraignment includes charges related to the publication of false news on Facebook, the unlawful publication of defamatory matter, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace. His case has been adjourned until December 11, 2026, for subsequent legal proceedings.

The Oyo State Police Command has voiced significant apprehension regarding the widespread circulation of unverified allegations and sensitive imagery across social media platforms, particularly when these involve fatalities and grieving families. Through a statement released by its Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the command issued a stern caution to the public, including social media users and content creators. This warning specifically targets the misuse of digital platforms for propagating false information, distributing sensitive images of deceased individuals, or making reckless accusations against people without credible supporting evidence.

The charges brought against both Prophet Moses Idowu and Oladapo Joshua Dunminimnun highlight the severe legal risks associated with such actions in Nigeria. The Oyo State Police Command charges underscore the gravity of offenses like "indignity to deceased human body Nigeria" and "defamation social media Nigeria," emphasizing that these are not merely ethical breaches but criminal acts with serious consequences. The authorities implored members of the public to uphold the dignity of the deceased, demonstrate empathy and consideration for bereaved families, and permit established investigative and judicial processes to determine the facts surrounding any suspicious deaths. This stance reinforces the legal framework designed to protect both the dead and the living from exploitation and misinformation.

The tragic death of gospel artist Olayemi Bayonle Bolaji, known as Toluwanisings, occurred in Ibadan on October 14, 2026, after he reportedly collapsed. His passing quickly became a subject of considerable public interest and concern, largely fueled by claims made by his personal assistant, Babadunni Gbolabo. Gbolabo alleged that several hospitals had refused to admit the singer while efforts were being made to secure medical attention for him.

This initial public discourse, combined with the subsequent unauthorized recordings and defamatory social media posts, created a complex and distressing situation for the artist's family and the wider community. The legal actions taken by the Oyo State Police Command aim to address the unlawful conduct that followed his death, ensuring accountability for those who exploited the tragedy for personal gain or to spread falsehoods.

This case highlights the severe legal risks in Nigeria associated with unauthorized recording and dissemination of sensitive content, especially involving deceased persons, and the publication of unsubstantiated defamatory claims on social media. Lawyers should advise clients, particularly those in public-facing roles or content creation, on strict compliance with laws against 'indignity to a deceased human body' and 'publication of false news,' as such actions can lead to criminal charges and remand, irrespective of perceived intent.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH Metro Plus