Lagos studio deaths gospel artistes: police launch probe after four found dead in Ajah studio following overnight stay after praise programme

Lagos State Police Command has launched an investigation into the deaths of gospel musician Matthew Ogundele and three members of his crew who were found lifeless inside a music studio in the Abraham Adesanya area of Ajah.

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

Police said the quartet had been invited to minister on Tuesday at a three day birthday praise programme organised by gospel artiste Olanireti Akinbola.

The event reportedly ran late into the night, after which the group decided to spend the night at the studio.

A police source said the information about the deaths surfaced the following morning after the victims failed to respond.

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed that the matter was reported on Wednesday by the studio owner, Akintayo Akinbola, who is also the husband of the celebrant.

Akintayo Akinbola told police that he left the artistes in the studio located within the HFP Shopping Complex on Tuesday night after buying food for them while they prepared for a music concert.

He said the group returned to the studio with the food while he went home. At about 11 a.m. on Wednesday, he returned and found the studio door locked from the inside.

Alarmed, he raised an alert and the door was forced open, revealing the four lifeless bodies inside.

Detectives who visited the scene documented their findings and observed no visible signs of violence on the bodies.

The remains were taken to the Mainland Hospital, Yaba, where a doctor confirmed the deaths before they were moved to the Mainland General Hospital mortuary for autopsy and preservation.

SP Abimbola Adebisi said the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, for a comprehensive probe to determine the exact cause of death.

Images circulating on social media showing traces of blood around the noses, mouths and ears of the victims have heightened public concern and prompted calls for justice from colleagues and friends.