Prophet Itunu arrested over death of actress Tope Osoba

Nigerian police have arrested Prophet Itunu, the partner of the late Nollywood actress Temitope Osoba, also known as Tope Osoba. The arrest, which occurred on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, follows significant public outcry regarding the circumstances of the actress's death on August 4, 2026.

Osoba, who had previously survived breast cancer, was the subject of various allegations made by friends and associates. These claims included that Itunu manipulated her into moving in with him without legal marriage, bullied her, and seized her money and a vehicle. There were also accusations that he isolated her from her family and professional colleagues. The family postponed her burial to facilitate a police investigation.

In response to the allegations, Itunu denied wrongdoing, claiming that Osoba had approached him for marriage following a visit to his church. He further alleged that the actress struggled with drug addiction, stating, “Tope was a drug addict and I didn’t know about it on time.” Itunu was reportedly arrested alongside an unidentified hairdresser.