About a year after Lagos-based furniture maker Tobiloba Samuel Omoosumi, popularly known as Tobywood, regained freedom from kidnappers, he has reportedly died by suicide.
Tobywood was abducted on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, while on his way to Mushin, Lagos, to purchase materials for his work. He regained his freedom a week later.
Following his ordeal, Omoosumiโs online presence diminished significantly, raising concerns among friends and fans about his safety and mental health. Described by a friend identified as Ella as one of the happiest people she knew, Tobywood was reportedly full of life, dancing and cheerful in church, even after enduring his traumatic experience. However, she noted he took his life when it seemed he was beginning to recover.
There were claims that the 25-year-old was bullied and accused of lying on X (formerly Twitter) after his release from captivity. Within months, Omoosumi transitioned from being a jovial online personality who enjoyed bantering with friends to someone who had lost his social connections. (Guardian)