The lover of late Nollywood actress Temitope Osoba, popularly known as Tope Osoba, has reportedly been arrested by the police over allegations surrounding the circumstances of her death.
The man, identified as Prophet Itunu, was reportedly taken into custody on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, alongside a yet-to-be-identified hairdresser, following mounting calls for a thorough investigation into the actress’ death.
Osoba died on August 4, 2026, two years after reportedly surviving breast cancer.
Following her death, some of the actress’ close friends and associates raised allegations against Itunu and members of his family, claiming that their actions may have contributed to her death.
The allegations, which gained widespread attention on social media, included claims that Osoba was allegedly manipulated into moving in with Itunu without formally getting married to him and was subsequently isolated from some members of her family, friends and colleagues.
Itunu was also accused of allegedly bullying the actress, taking possession of some of her money and a car, and restricting her from acting and maintaining relationships with people close to her.
Some of Osoba’s friends later released alleged chats and voice notes which they said supported their claims.
Amid the controversy, the actress’ family reportedly postponed her burial to allow the police to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.
However, Itunu has denied the allegations against him.
Speaking in an interview with Celestial Reality Check, a media investigative unit of the Celestial Church of Christ, the prophet claimed Osoba approached him about marriage after visiting his church for prayers.
He also alleged that the actress battled drug addiction, claiming that he only became aware of the problem after they had become close.
“Tope was a drug addict, and I didn’t know about it in time. And I don’t have money to take her to rehab after I noticed,” he said.
The reported arrest was announced by an associate of the actress and online personality, Akeem, popularly known as ‘Oko Awon Single Mother’, in an Instagram video.
According to Akeem, Itunu and the hairdresser are currently in police custody, while another man identified as Pelumi, who he alleged was accused of raping the actress, remains at large.
“Itunu was arrested on Tuesday. The hairdresser was also arrested. They are now in detention. The other guy that was accused of raping her is on the run. The guy’s name is Pelumi,” Akeem said.
He expressed optimism that the investigation would establish the circumstances surrounding Osoba’s death and ultimately lead to justice for the actress.
Akeem also thanked Nigerians, the police and Osoba’s family for responding to calls for an investigation, adding that an autopsy would be conducted as part of the probe.
“So hopefully, justice will be served for her. Thank you, Nigerians; thanks to the police for not ignoring our cry for justice. A big thank you to the family and a big thank you to myself. Autopsy will be carried out by the police,” he added.
The police have yet to publicly disclose the specific allegations against those reportedly arrested or announce the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
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