Tope Alabi slams “false” murder claims, threatens to sue Canada-based pastor

Gospel singer Tope Alabi has threatened to sue a Canada-based pastor, Tayo Kumuyi of Pastor Tayo Ministries, over allegations linking her to the death of gospel minister Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, and other ministers, Punch reports.

Alabi’s solicitors, Oakmount Legal Practitioners, issued a cease-and-desist letter dated October 24, demanding the removal of the publications, a retraction and an apology within 24 hours. The letter alleged that posts published between October 20 and 24 accused Alabi of murder and ritual killing linked to the deaths of several gospel ministers. “These statements accuse our client of murder and of ritual killing… They are false in every particular,” the lawyers wrote, adding that “no investigation, police finding or court decision supports a word of them.”

The letter also cited a subsequent post allegedly directed at Alabi, which read, “Tope Alabi, no letter will save you from my hand. Your only option is leaving your hiding place,” describing it as “a threat of harm.”

The solicitors argued that the recipient’s reported residence in Canada did not shield them from legal action, noting the posts were “read, shared and believed in Nigeria,” where Alabi’s reputation has allegedly been damaged. They demanded a pinned retraction for 14 days and warned of possible court proceedings, damages and police referrals if the demands were not met.

Toluwanisings died on October 14, aged 41. Alabi had publicly mourned him following his death.