Lagos gospel artiste, three others found dead in Ajah music studio

Four people, including a Lagos-based gospel artiste, were found dead inside a music studio in the Abraham Adesanya area of Ajah, Lagos State.

The deceased were identified as Matthew Ogundele, Itunu Ogundele, Joseph Sanya, and a blogger, Matthew Awosanya, popularly known as JoesTv.

They had reportedly been invited to perform on Tuesday during the second day of a three-day birthday praise event organised by a female gospel artiste, Olanireti Akinbola.

According to a police source, the group finished their session late that night and chose to sleep over at the studio rather than travel home. Their bodies were discovered the following morning, Wednesday.

A Christian blog, Omojesu, also reported that the distance between the studio and the victims’ homes influenced their decision to stay overnight. The post stated that they “passed away in their sleep,” though the exact cause of death remains unknown.

The incident was reported at the Ajiwe Police Station in Ajah.

Photos circulating on social media show what appear to be blood stains around the noses, ears and mouths of the victims, prompting concern and speculation about the circumstances of their deaths.

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the incident.

She said the case was reported on Wednesday by the studio owner, Akintayo Akinbola, who is also the husband of the event’s celebrant.

According to Adebisi, Akinbola told police he left the artistes at his studio, located inside the HFP Shopping Complex, on Tuesday night after buying food for them as they prepared for a music concert. He said the group returned to the studio after collecting the food, while he went home.

“At about 11am on Wednesday, Akintayo said he returned to the studio and found the door locked from the inside. He raised an alarm, and the door was forced open. The lifeless bodies of the four artistes were discovered inside,” Adebisi said.

She added that detectives visited the scene and took photographs. No visible signs of violence were found on the bodies.

The remains were taken to Mainland Hospital, Yaba, where they were confirmed dead by a doctor on duty, before being moved to the Mainland General Hospital mortuary for autopsy.

The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, for further investigation.