Oyo State Police arraign Prophet Moses Idowu on four criminal counts after he recorded and circulated footage of the deceased musician’s remains at a morgue without family authorization.
A court in Oyo State has ordered the remand of a self-styled prophet, Moses Idowu, in a correctional centre.
The religious cleric was arraigned following allegations that he unlawfully filmed the corpse of late gospel singer Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings.
According to the Oyo State Police Command, the suspect visited the morgue where the late musician’s body was deposited after his sudden passing.
Police spokesperson Olayinka Ayanlade confirmed that Idowu claimed he possessed special spiritual powers capable of bringing the deceased artist back to life.
During the unauthorized visit, the cleric allegedly recorded video footage of the singer’s remains and circulated the sensitive clip across social media platforms.
Authorities stated that the suspect acted completely without the consent of the bereaved family, subjecting the corpse to severe public indignity.
Four-Count Charge And Defamation Allegations
Beyond filming the remains, police prosecutors accused the cleric of publishing unsubstantiated social media claims regarding the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death.
Investigators revealed that Idowu publicly accused the late singer’s widow, Olayemi Elizabeth Damilola, and his personal assistant, Babadunmi Gbolabo, of causing his demise.
Law enforcement officials noted that the suspect failed to provide any credible evidence to substantiate his damaging online allegations against the grieving family.
Consequently, he was formally arraigned before the court on a four-count charge bordering on criminal defamation and unlawful recording of human remains.
Additional counts included the publication of false information and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace across the state.
Following his arraignment, the presiding magistrate ordered his remand at a correctional facility and adjourned the matter until December 2, 2026.
Second Suspect Arraigned Amid Police Warning
In a parallel legal development, police operatives also arrested and arraigned a second suspect, identified as Oladapo Joshua Dunminimnun, over related online offenses.
Authorities stated that Dunminimnun repeatedly posted accusatory videos targeting the deceased musician’s personal assistant and family members across Facebook.
Investigations revealed he continued circulating the defamatory clips despite signing an official undertaking prohibiting public commentary on the late singer’s passing.
The second defendant was charged with publishing false news, unlawful defamation, and conduct likely to disturb public peace, with his trial adjourned until December 11.
Meanwhile, the police command expressed grave concern over the reckless circulation of sensitive images involving deceased individuals on social media networks.
Law enforcement officials warned content creators against spreading unverified allegations, urging Nigerians to respect the dignity of the dead and support formal investigations.
The late gospel singer passed away in Ibadan on October 14 after slumping and was buried privately on November 9.
The ongoing court proceedings highlight growing regulatory determination to curb digital defamation and protect bereaved families from online exploitation.
