The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a studio owner in connection with the mysterious deaths of popular gospel artiste, Matthew Ogundele, widely known as Segun Praise, and three members of his crew in Ajah, Lagos.
The tragic incident occurred at a music studio located within the Abraham Adesanya area, where the bodies of Segun Praise, Itunu Ogundele, Joseph Sanya, and blogger Matthew Awosanya, also known as JoesTv, were discovered.
Confirming the development on Sunday, the police spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, said the suspect identified as the organiser of the gospel programme the victims attended is currently in custody.
She noted that the case, initially reported at the Ajah Police Division, has now been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
“One suspect, identified as the organiser of the event, is presently in police custody. Investigations are ongoing while we await the autopsy report,” Adebisi stated.
Investigations revealed that the victims had been invited to minister on Tuesday during the second day of a three-day virtual birthday praise programme organised by a gospel singer, Olanireti Akinbola. The programme reportedly ran late into the night, prompting the artistes to spend the night at the studio.
A police source disclosed that their lifeless bodies were discovered the following morning.
“The programme ended late, and since the studio was far from their homes, they decided to sleep there. Sadly, they were found dead the next morning,” the source said.
A Christian blog, Omojesu, also corroborated claims that the victims stayed overnight due to the distance to their residences.
While the exact cause of death remains unknown, speculation has ranged from inhalation of generator fumes to possible food poisoning. However, the police said no signs of violence were found on the bodies.
According to Adebisi, the studio owner, Akintayo Akinbola, the husband of the celebrant reported the incident to the police on Wednesday. He told investigators that he had bought food for the artistes on Tuesday night before leaving them in the studio and returning home.
“He said that when he returned around 11am the next day, the door was locked from the inside. With help, the door was forced open, and the four bodies were discovered,” she explained.
The bodies were taken to Mainland Hospital, Yaba, where doctors confirmed them dead before they were deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.
Meanwhile, the incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with colleagues and sympathisers demanding justice. Some associates alleged that the event organiser has gone into hiding, while her husband remains in police custody.
In an emotional video circulating online, the mother of one of the victims tearfully appealed to Nigerians for justice, describing the deaths as painful and suspicious.
“Matthew went for a programme on Tuesday. There were four of them. We kept calling, but there was no response. Later, we found their bodies. Please don’t let this go unnoticed,” she cried.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing as Nigerians await the outcome of the autopsy to determine the true cause of the tragic deaths.
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