Nollywood actress Temitope Osoba, popularly known as Tope Osoba, has remained at the centre of a police investigation following allegations surrounding the circumstances of her death.
The actress died on August 4, 2026, about two years after surviving breast cancer. Her death has since generated controversy, with some of her friends and associates calling for an investigation into what happened before her passing.
Her reported lover, identified as Prophet Itunu, was allegedly arrested by the police on Tuesday, August 18, alongside a yet-to-be-identified hairdresser.
The development was disclosed by Akeem, popularly known as “Oko Awon Single Mother,” an associate of the late actress and online personality.
According to Akeem, another man identified as Pelumi, who was allegedly accused of raping the actress, is currently on the run.
He 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.”
The reported arrests followed allegations made by some of Osoba’s close associates after her death. They accused Itunu and members of his family of allegedly influencing some aspects of the actress’ life before her death.
Among the allegations were claims that Osoba was persuaded to move in with Itunu despite not being formally married to him and that her relationship with members of her family became strained.
Some of her associates also alleged that she was bullied, that some of her money and a vehicle were taken from her, and that she was prevented from acting or maintaining relationships with some colleagues and friends.
Chats and voice notes were subsequently circulated online by people close to the actress, who claimed the materials supported their concerns.
The controversy reportedly contributed to the decision by the actress’ family to postpone her burial indefinitely to enable the police to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.
However, Itunu has denied the allegations against him.
In an interview with Celestial Reality Check, an investigative media unit of the Celestial Church of Christ, the prophet claimed that Osoba approached him about marriage after visiting his church for prayers.
He also alleged that the actress had a drug addiction problem, saying he only became aware of it later and could not afford to take her to a rehabilitation centre.
He said, “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.”
Meanwhile, Akeem expressed hope that the ongoing investigation would help establish what happened and eventually lead to justice for the actress.
He also thanked members of the public and the police for responding to calls for an investigation, adding that an autopsy would be conducted as part of the process.
The allegations remain claims at this stage, and the reported arrests do not establish guilt. The police investigation and any subsequent forensic examination are expected to help clarify the circumstances surrounding Osoba’s death.
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