The Lagos State Police Command has arrested the owner of a music studio in connection with the death of popular gospel singer Matthew Ogundele, known as Segun Praise, and three members of his crew in Ajah, Lagos.
The other victims were identified as Itunu Ogundele, Joseph Sanya, and a blogger, Matthew Awosanya, popularly called JoesTv. The four were found dead inside a music studio located in the Abraham Adesanya area of Ajah.
Police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi confirmed on Sunday that the suspect, identified as the organiser of the event where the victims were scheduled to perform, is currently in custody. She said the case was initially reported at the Ajah Police Division before being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
According to police sources, the victims were invited to minister during the second day of a three-day virtual birthday praise programme organised by a gospel artiste, Olanireti Akinbola. The programme reportedly ended late, prompting the singer and his crew to stay overnight in the studio due to the distance to their homes. Their bodies were discovered the following morning.
A Christian blog, Omojesu, also reported that the group chose to remain in the studio because it was far from their residences.
While the exact cause of death has not yet been determined, speculation has ranged from possible inhalation of generator fumes to food poisoning. Police, however, said no visible signs of violence were found at the scene.
Adebisi disclosed that the studio owner, Akintayo Akinbola, who is the husband of the event celebrant, reported the incident to the police on Wednesday. He told investigators that he had purchased food for the artistes on Tuesday night before leaving them at the studio within the HFP Shopping Complex.
According to him, he returned around 11am the next day and found the door locked from the inside. After forcing it open, the four bodies were discovered. The victims were taken to Mainland Hospital, Yaba, where they were confirmed dead and later deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.
The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with friends, colleagues, and fans calling for a thorough investigation. In an emotional video circulating online, the mother of one of the victims appealed for justice, saying the circumstances surrounding the deaths were unclear and painful.
Police say investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the tragedy.