The man identified as the lover of late Nollywood actress Temitope Osoba, popularly known as Tope Osoba, has been arrested over allegations linked to her death.
The man, Prophet Itunu, was reportedly taken into police custody on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, following mounting public pressure for a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the actress’ passing.
Naija News reports that Tope died on August 4, 2026, two years after she survived a battle with breast cancer.
Since her death, several of her close friends and associates have accused Itunu and members of his family of contributing to the circumstances that led to it. The allegations spread widely on social media, with some claiming the actress was manipulated into moving in with Itunu without a formal marriage and was gradually cut off from close contact with her family.
Itunu was also accused of bullying the actress, seizing some of her money and a car, and blocking her from acting or maintaining relationships with some colleagues and friends. Several of Tope’s friends later shared chats and voice notes they said backed up these claims.
The growing controversy led the family to postpone her burial indefinitely to give police room to investigate.
In an interview with Celestial Reality Check, a media investigative unit of the Celestial Church of Christ, Itunu denied all the allegations. He claimed Tope had approached him about marriage after visiting his church for prayers. He further alleged that the actress battled drug addiction, which he said he only discovered later.
“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.
An associate of the actress and online personality, Akeem, known as “Oko Awon Single Mother,” announced the arrest in an Instagram video. He said Itunu was arrested alongside a yet-to-be-identified hairdresser, while another man accused in the case, identified as Pelumi, remains at large.
“Good morning everybody, good Nigerians. So to those asking me for an update about Tope Osoba’s case, I have good news for you,” Akeem said. “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.”
He expressed optimism that the investigation would lead to justice for the late actress, thanking Nigerians and the police for responding to calls for accountability. He added that an autopsy will be carried out by the police.
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