The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a studio owner in connection with the mysterious death of a popular gospel artiste, Matthew Ogundele, widely known as Segun Praise, and three members of his crew inside a music studio in the Abraham Adesanya area of Ajah, Lagos.
The other victims were identified as Itunu Ogundele, Joseph Sanya, and a blogger, Matthew Awosanya, popularly called JoesTv.
Police spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the development on Sunday, saying the suspect — identified as the organiser of the event where the victims were scheduled to perform — is currently in custody.
“The case was first reported at the Ajah Division and later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department. One suspect, the event organiser, is in custody. Investigation is ongoing while we await the autopsy report,” Adebisi said.
According to police sources, the victims had been invited to minister during the second day of a three-day virtual birthday praise programme organised by a female gospel artiste, Olanireti Akinbola.
The session reportedly stretched late into the night, prompting the artistes to remain in the studio to sleep due to the distance to their homes. Their bodies were discovered the following morning.
“The convener invited several gospel artistes to minister during her three-day birthday praise programme which began on Monday. Segun Praise attended with his crew. The event ended late, so they decided to sleep in the studio. Their bodies were found the next morning,” a source disclosed.
A Christian blog, Omojesu, also reported that the group chose to stay back because the studio was far from their residences.
The incident has triggered outrage on social media, with friends, colleagues, and fans demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
While the exact cause of death remains unknown, speculations include possible inhalation of generator fumes or food poisoning.
Adebisi said the studio owner, Akintayo Akinbola — husband of the event celebrant — reported the incident to the police on Wednesday. He told investigators that he had bought food for the artistes Tuesday night before leaving them at the studio located within the HFP Shopping Complex.
“He said the artistes returned with the food while he went home.
“At about 11am on Wednesday, he came back and found the door locked from the inside. After calling for assistance, the door was forced open and the four bodies were discovered,” she explained.
Detectives who visited the scene reportedly found no visible signs of violence.
“The bodies were moved to Mainland Hospital, Yaba, where a doctor confirmed them dead. They have since been deposited at the mortuary for autopsy,” Adebisi added.
Meanwhile, some associates alleged that the celebrant has gone into hiding, noting that her husband is the one currently being questioned by police.
“Olanireti invited them, but since the incident she has not spoken publicly.
“Her social media accounts are now private. Her husband is the one with the police,” one associate said anonymously.
In an emotional video shared online, the mother of one of the victims appealed for justice, describing the deaths as painful and suspicious.
“My son went for a show on Tuesday with three others. We couldn’t reach them.
“Later, we found out they had died. Please help me get justice. I don’t know what happened or what they were given to eat,” she said.
Incidents of sudden deaths in enclosed spaces have been recorded across the country in recent years, often linked to poor ventilation, generator fumes, or faulty electrical systems.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the tragedy.
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