By Deborah Nnamdi
The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of one suspect following the mysterious death of a gospel artiste and three others who were found lifeless inside a music studio in the Ajah area of Lagos State.
The victims were identified as gospel artiste Matthew Ogundele, Itunu Ogundele, Joseph Sanya, and blogger Matthew Awosanya, popularly known as JoesTv. They were discovered dead on Wednesday inside a music studio located within the HFP Shopping Complex along the Abraham Adesanya axis of Ajah.
Confirming the development on Sunday, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said the case, which was initially reported at the Ajah Police Division, had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, for detailed investigation.
“The incident was initially reported at the Ajah Division but was later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department. One suspect, identified as the organiser of the event, is currently in custody. Investigation is ongoing while we await the autopsy report,” Adebisi said in a text message.
Police sources disclosed that the incident was reported by the owner of the music studio, Akintayo Akinbola, who said the deceased were members of a gospel music crew invited to perform at a birthday praise programme organized by his wife, another gospel artiste.
According to the police, the crew performed late on Tuesday, February 3, and decided to stay overnight in the studio. The following morning, the studio owner returned and found the door locked from the inside. With the help of others, the door was forced open, leading to the discovery of the four bodies.
Detectives who visited the scene reportedly found no visible marks of violence on the bodies. The victims were later confirmed dead at the Mainland Hospital, Yaba, while their remains were deposited at the Mainland General Hospital mortuary for autopsy.
Further details revealed that the performance was part of a three-day birthday praise event, which began on Monday. The deceased crew was billed to minister on the second day of the programme, which ran late into the night.
The incident has sparked confusion, grief and outrage among residents of the area, as well as widespread reactions on social media. Friends, colleagues and members of the gospel music community have continued to demand a thorough investigation and justice for the deceased.
Images circulating online showing alleged blood stains from the noses, ears, and mouths of the victims have further fuelled public concern and speculation, although police insist preliminary findings show no signs of violence.
The Lagos State Police Command has assured the public that investigations are ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine responsibility.
