Nigerian gospel singer and evangelist Tope Alabi has taken legal steps against individuals circulating allegations linking her to the death of fellow gospel minister Toluwanisings.
Alabi’s lawyers, Oakmount Legal Practitioners, issued a public notice on Friday, October 23, warning members of the public against publishing or spreading what they described as false, misleading and defamatory statements about the singer.
The development follows videos reportedly shared on Facebook by a woman identified as Pastor Tayo Ministries on October 22 and 23.
The videos allegedly linked Alabi, alongside gospel personalities including Woli Agba, Dele Omo Woli and Woli Arole, to the death of Toluwanisings. The allegations have not been substantiated by any evidence cited in the reports.
Alabi’s lawyers issue strong warning
In the notice, Oakmount Legal Practitioners said Alabi had spent almost 30 years building a reputation for integrity and public trust.
The lawyers warned that anyone who publishes, repeats, reposts, shares or otherwise amplifies statements that are false and damaging to the singer’s reputation could face legal consequences.
They also cautioned social media users against assuming that anonymous or unverified accounts would protect them from liability.
According to the notice, Alabi could seek court orders to identify individuals behind allegedly defamatory publications, including through social media platforms and service providers where legally permissible.
Those who shared the claims asked to delete them
The lawyers further instructed anyone who had already published the alleged defamatory material to remove it immediately and stop further circulation.
However, they warned that deleting a post would not automatically erase potential liability for the original publication.
Possible legal remedies listed in the notice include damages, injunctions preventing further publication, retractions, public apologies and legal costs.
Toluwanisings died at 41
Toluwanisings, whose real name was Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, died in the early hours of October 14, 2026, at the age of 41.
His family announced his death but did not disclose the cause of death.
Following the news, Tope Alabi publicly mourned the gospel minister, describing his death as a major shock and offering prayers for his family, friends and colleagues.
Lawyers clarify position
Despite the strong warning, Alabi’s lawyers stated that the notice was not intended to prevent truthful reporting, fair comment on matters of public interest or the lawful exercise of freedom of expression.
The firm said its client reserved the right to pursue remedies available under Nigerian law against anyone whose conduct gives rise to an actionable claim.
For now, the controversy continues to generate reactions online, while no evidence supporting the allegations linking Alabi to Toluwanisings’ death has been established in the reports reviewed.