Four people, including a popular gospel singer, were found dead inside a music studio in the Abraham Adesanya area of Ajah, Lagos State, on Wednesday, February 4. The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the incident and announced the arrest of one suspect in connection with the deaths.
The deceased were identified as Matthew Ogundele, popularly known as Segun Praise, a gospel artiste; Itunu Ogundele; Joseph Sanya; and a gospel blogger, Matthew Awosanya, also known as JoesTv.
Police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi said the case was first reported at the Ajah Police Division before being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department. She confirmed that one suspect, identified as the organiser of the event at which the victims were scheduled to perform, is currently in police custody.
“One suspect, identified as the organiser of the event, is currently in custody. Investigation is ongoing while we await the autopsy report,” Adebisi said.
According to police findings, the victims had been invited to minister on Tuesday, February 3, the second day of a three-day birthday praise programme organised by a female gospel artiste, Olanireti Akinbola. The programme reportedly ran late into the night, after which the artistes decided to spend the night at the studio.
A police source said the studio is located inside the HFP Shopping Complex, Ajah. The source explained that the bodies were discovered the following morning.
“The programme ended late, so they decided to sleep in the studio. It was the next morning that their bodies were found,” the source said.
Adebisi stated that the incident was reported by the studio owner, Akintayo Akinbola, who is also the husband of the celebrant. He told investigators that he bought food for the artistes on Tuesday night and left them in the studio before going home.
“At about 11am on Wednesday, he returned and found the door locked from the inside. The door was forced open, and the lifeless bodies of the four artistes were discovered,” Adebisi said.
She added that detectives who examined the scene found no marks of violence on the bodies.
“The corpses were taken to Mainland Hospital, Yaba, where a doctor confirmed them dead. The bodies have been deposited at the mortuary for autopsy and preservation,” she said.
While the exact cause of death has not been established, police said speculation about possible causes remains premature pending the autopsy results. No official cause of death has been announced.
The incident has drawn public attention, with colleagues and associates of the deceased calling for a thorough investigation. Some associates alleged that the event’s celebrant had gone silent since the incident, while her husband remains in police custody.
In a video circulating online, the mother of one of the victims appealed for justice, describing the deaths as painful and unclear.
Police said investigations are continuing and assured the public that findings will be made known once forensic examinations are concluded.
