LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Nigerian gospel music community is in a state of shock following the mysterious deaths of rising star Matthew Ogundele and three associates inside a recording studio in the Abraham Adesanya area of Ajah, Lagos.
Alongside the musician, the victims have been identified as Itunu Ogundele, Joseph Sanya, and popular blogger Matthew Awosanya, better known as JoesTv. The group had reportedly been invited to minister at a virtual three-day birthday praise event hosted by fellow artiste Olanireti Akinbola before their lifeless bodies were discovered on Wednesday morning.
According to reports, the team performed late into Tuesday night and opted to sleep at the venue due to the long distance to their respective homes. Another blogger, Omojesu who runs a christian blog noted that “in pursuit of a better life,” the group decided to stay overnight after the virtual session.
However, when the studio owner, Akintayo Akinbola, returned at 11 a.m. the following day, he found the doors locked from the inside.
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“Alarmed, he raised the alarm and the door was forced open. Upon entry, the lifeless bodies of the four artistes were found inside the studio,” confirmed Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi.
Disturbing images circulating on social media have fueled intense speculation, with reports of blood traces found around the victims’ noses and mouths. Despite these visual reports, preliminary police documentation noted no immediate signs of physical violence on the bodies.
To provide clarity, SP Adebisi stated, “The corpses were taken to the Mainland Hospital, Yaba… and later deposited at the Mainland General Hospital mortuary for autopsy and preservation.”
The case has now been officially transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, for a comprehensive forensic analysis.
Amidst the growing demand for justice, public scrutiny has turned toward the host, Olanireti Akinbola, who has yet to release an official statement regarding the tragedy. Social media users have pointed out that the singer recently placed her Instagram and TikTok accounts on private mode, further intensifying questions about what transpired during the overnight stay.
Family and friends are currently awaiting the autopsy results to understand how four healthy individuals could pass away simultaneously in their sleep. Final determination of the cause of death now rests with the SCID as investigators examine the food consumed and the ventilation of the HFP Shopping Complex studio.
