Tragedy Strikes Lagos Music Scene as Gospel Artiste and Crew Found Dead in Studio
In a heartbreaking incident that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria's entertainment community, prominent gospel artiste Matthew Ogundele and three of his crew members were discovered dead inside a music studio in the Abraham Adesanya area of Ajah, Lagos State. The victims, who had performed at a birthday praise event, were found unresponsive after staying overnight at the location, sparking widespread grief and confusion among colleagues and fans.
Details of the Tragic Discovery
The crew members have been identified as Itunu Ogundele, Joseph Sanya, and blogger Matthew Awosanya, popularly known as JoesTv. According to police sources, the group had been invited to perform on Tuesday during the second day of a three-day birthday praise organized by fellow gospel artiste Olanireti Akinbola. After their performance ran late into the evening, they decided to sleep over in the studio due to the distance from their homes.
The following morning, the studio owner and husband of the celebrant, Akintayo Akinbola, returned to the HFP Shopping Complex location to find the door locked from inside. After forcing entry with help, he discovered the lifeless bodies of all four individuals. Police were immediately notified, and the case was reported at the Ajiwe Police Station in Ajah.
Police Investigation and Medical Examination
Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer Abimbola Adebisi confirmed that detectives visited the scene and conducted a thorough examination. No marks of violence were found on the bodies, according to official statements, though circulating photos on social media showed blood stains in the victims' noses, ears, and mouths, fueling speculation about the circumstances.
The bodies were transported to Mainland Hospital in Yaba, where a medical doctor confirmed their deaths. They have since been deposited at the Mainland General Hospital mortuary for autopsy and preservation while the investigation continues. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti, Yaba, for further examination.
Community Reaction and Online Outcry
Friends and colleagues of the deceased have taken to social media platforms to express their grief and demand justice. The Christian blog Omojesu posted on Facebook about the incident, noting that the victims "allegedly passed away in their sleep" after deciding to stay overnight due to the studio's remote location from their residences.
This tragedy follows another recent violent incident in Lagos where skit maker Austin was found murdered with machete cuts in the Lakowe community of Ibeju-Lekki local government area. The back-to-back incidents have raised concerns about safety in Nigeria's entertainment industry, particularly for artists working late hours in various locations across the state.
As investigations continue, the music community mourns the loss of Matthew Ogundele and his crew members while awaiting answers about what caused their untimely deaths in what should have been a creative and celebratory environment.
