The TikTok prophet who announced a toluwanisings resurrection was reportedly detained by Ibadan police on October 28, after the late gospel singer’s personal assistant filed a formal complaint. Woli Arugbo Ojo, known for his viral sermons, had publicly declared that God instructed him to announce that the singer would rise from the dead, and he further implicated the assistant in the artist’s death. Police from the Ibadan Area Command said they arrested the pastor and have asked him to produce any evidence supporting his accusations.
Toluwanisings, whose real name was Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, died on October 14, 2026, after collapsing at his home in Ibadan. His personal assistant later claimed that several hospitals turned him away when emergency care was sought, fueling speculation about the circumstances of his death. The family’s disagreement over burial arrangements added to the tension, while prominent gospel and entertainment figures, including Tope Alabi, Woli Agba and Dele Omo Woli, threatened legal action against a Facebook user identified as Pastor Tayo Ministries for spreading unverified claims linking the pastor to the singer’s demise.
The arrest followed the assistant’s decision to approach authorities, saying the prophet’s statements not only foretold a resurrection but also accused him of being involved in the singer’s death. According to police, the complaint prompted an investigation that culminated in Ojo’s detention. Officers reportedly demanded that the pastor provide tangible proof, audio recordings, written notes or any other material, that could substantiate his allegations. No official comment from the Ibadan police had been released at the time of writing.
In the hours after the arrest, Ojo’s wife posted a video on the pastor’s TikTok account, pleading for help from Nigerians at home and abroad. She said she did not know where her husband was being held and urged the public to intervene, insisting that he acted solely on divine instruction. The emotional appeal quickly went viral, drawing a mix of sympathy and criticism. Some commenters expressed support, urging the couple to stay strong, while others demanded evidence from the prophet, questioning the authenticity of his claimed messages from the Holy Spirit.
Online reactions have been sharply divided. One user wrote, “That pastor deserves it,” reflecting the anger felt by many who see the claims as a stunt. Others called for “tender evidence from God with voices, note or video,” demanding proof before any belief is given. A few defended the pastor, suggesting that if God sent him, divine protection would follow. The debate show the broader tension between religious influencers on social media and the public’s appetite for sensational claims.
The incident also highlights the growing influence of TikTok personalities in Nigeria’s religious landscape. Prophets and pastors now use short‑form videos to reach millions, often blurring the line between spiritual guidance and entertainment. While some followers embrace the immediacy and charisma of such figures, authorities have become more vigilant when statements cross into potential defamation or incitement. In this case, the personal assistant’s complaint triggered a police response that may set a precedent for future interventions involving online religious content.
Legal experts note that Nigeria’s criminal code allows for arrest when a person makes false statements that could harm another’s reputation or incite public disorder. If Ojo cannot produce credible evidence, he may face charges of defamation or causing unrest. The family of Toluwanisings, already coping with grief, may also pursue civil action for any damage to the singer’s legacy.
As the story develops, the next steps hinge on whether the prophet can substantiate his resurrection claim. Police have indicated that they will release Ojo only after he complies with their request for evidence, though the timeline remains unclear. Meanwhile, the wife’s appeal continues to circulate, with diaspora Nigerians being urged to contact authorities or use social media channels to locate her husband. The case remains under investigation, and further updates are expected once the police conclude their inquiry or the court schedules a hearing.
