The circumstances surrounding the death of Nollywood actress Temitope Osoba have taken a new turn following claims by her fiancé, Prophet Itunu Onadeko, that she died at a police station in Ikorodu, Lagos State.
Onadeko made the claim during an interview with the Celestial Reality Check, the media investigative unit of the Celestial Church of Christ, on Saturday.
His account contradicts reports and social media speculation that the actress died from complications related to her previous battle with breast cancer.
According to Onadeko, he received a phone call from an unidentified individual around midnight informing him that Osoba had died at a police station in Ikorodu.
“It was a random person that called me around 12 am that she died in a police station in Ikorodu,” he said.
The cleric, who is the Shepherd-in-Charge of CCC Onibuore Cathedral in the Bogije area of Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, said he did not know the specific police station where the actress allegedly died.
He explained that he subsequently went to a nearby police station to report himself.
What happened before her death?
Onadeko said Osoba had insisted on visiting a woman identified as Mrs Kehinde Osoba shortly before her death. He said the woman also runs a church.
According to him, Osoba had planned to see him as well, but he was unavailable because of church programmes.
He added that a hairdresser with whom the actress had been staying accompanied her during the visit.
Onadeko said they remained in communication and that Osoba was active on social media shortly before he received news of her death.
Fiancé disputes cancer-related claims
Osoba had previously spoken publicly about her experience with breast cancer, including undergoing treatment and surgery.
In 2024, the actress announced her return to public life after her treatment, describing the experience as a period of healing, personal growth and empowerment.
However, Onadeko said her previous cancer battle was not responsible for her death.
He recalled accompanying her during preparations for surgery after she told him about her condition.
“When I first met her, after I did a redemption prayer for her, she told me she wants to do a surgery on cancer. I prayed for her,” he said.
He added that they later proceeded to Evacare Hospital for the procedure.
Onadeko denies allegations over surgery funds
The prophet also rejected claims that he controlled money donated to Osoba for her medical treatment or diverted the funds towards church construction.
He said the money was paid into the actress’ account and maintained that he never had access to it.
Onadeko also questioned claims that about ₦30 million had been donated for her surgery, saying there was no evidence to support the figure.
He mentioned that several individuals supported Osoba financially during her treatment, including businessman Mike Adenuga.
He further denied using any of the actress’ medical funds to build the church, saying the church had existed for many years before he met Osoba.
Fiancé denies claims she was prevented from driving
Onadeko also disputed allegations that Osoba had been prevented from driving her car.
According to him, the actress drove herself to Iperu shortly before her death.
He said he was unaware of whom she went to see but believed the visit might have been connected to her maternal family.
He added that Osoba had reservations about visiting some members of her maternal family because of previous disagreements, but he encouraged her to maintain contact with them as they were preparing for marriage.
Smoking allegation
Onadeko also disclosed that Osoba struggled with smoking and said he had encouraged her to stop.
He claimed that members of the church were aware of the issue.
“She was dealing with smoking habit. And I wanted her to leave it. All the church members know about her smoking habit,” he said.
Fiancé rejects maltreatment allegations
The cleric also denied allegations that Osoba was subjected to physical or degrading treatment before her death.
Social media reports had alleged that the actress was punished in humiliating ways over an accusation involving stolen biscuits.
Onadeko described the claims as false, saying there was no period when Osoba lived under duress while they were together.
He said they supported each other financially and that Osoba had previously purchased gold for both of them, which they later sold and used the proceeds.
He also explained that the house where Osoba lived belonged to her uncle and was not a rented apartment.
According to him, following her surgery, Osoba gave her uncle ₦1 million after he requested some financial support for allowing her to stay in the property.
He denies poisoning allegation
Onadeko further rejected claims that Osoba consumed poison before her death.
He said the actress had left the church approximately three weeks before she died.
After learning of her death, he said he contacted one of her uncles, identified as Taiwo, but the relative allegedly declined to discuss the matter with him.
Burial arrangements
Temitope Osoba reportedly died on Wednesday at the age of 40.
She is expected to be buried on Thursday, August 13, 2026, in Iperu Remo, Ogun State.
However, the claims made by Onadeko regarding the circumstances of her death have not been independently verified. The exact location, circumstances and medical cause of Osoba’s death remain unclear based on the information currently available.
Any official findings from the police, family or medical authorities would be necessary to establish what happened.