Gospel event turns tragic as singer, crew found fead in Ajah studio

A gospel singer, Matthew Ogundele, and three members of his crew were found dead inside a music studio in the Abraham Adesanya area of Ajah, Lagos State.

The other victims have been identified as Itunu Ogundele, Joseph Sanya, and blogger Matthew Awosanya, popularly known as JoesTv.

The deceased were reportedly invited to perform on Tuesday during the second day of a three-day birthday praise event organised by female gospel artiste Olanireti Akinbola.

A police source told our correspondent on Saturday that the group completed their performance late and decided to spend the night in the studio. Their bodies were discovered the following morning, Wednesday.

“The convener invited some gospel artistes to minister during her three-day birthday praise, which started on Monday. Segun Praise was scheduled for the second day and came with his crew.

“The session ran late into the night, so they decided to stay overnight. Their lifeless bodies were discovered the next morning,” the source said.

A Christian blog, Omojesu, reported on Facebook that the victims could not return home due to the distance from the studio.

“In pursuit of a better life, a blogger known as JoesMediaTv and three musicians were reportedly invited to perform at a virtual birthday praise event around Ajah.

“Unable to return home, they stayed overnight and allegedly passed away in their sleep,” the post read.

The incident was reported to the Ajiwe Police Station, Ajah, and has sparked outrage on social media, with friends and colleagues of the deceased demanding justice.

Photos circulating online showing blood stains around the victims’ noses, ears, and mouths have raised further questions about the cause of their deaths.

Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the incident, stating that the studio owner, Akintayo Akinbola—husband of the celebrant—reported the case.

According to Adebisi, Akintayo left the artistes at the HFP Shopping Complex studio on Tuesday night after buying food for them.

The following morning, at about 11 a.m., he returned and found the door locked from the inside. Upon forcing entry, the four bodies were discovered.

Detectives from the Lagos State Police Command visited the scene, took photographs, and confirmed that no signs of violence were apparent on the bodies.

The corpses were transported to Mainland Hospital, Yaba, where a doctor confirmed their deaths before they were deposited at the mortuary for autopsy and preservation.

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