Gospel artiste and crew found dead in Lagos studio
Relatives and friends of gospel artiste Matthew Ogundele and three members of his crew are demanding justice after the four were found dead inside a music studio in the Abraham Adesanya area of Ajah, Lagos State, in a development that has shocked the gospel music community and shaken their families. Authorities and loved ones are still seeking answers over the mysterious circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The victims were identified as Matthew Ogundele, gospel artiste; Itunu Ogundele; Joseph Sanya; and Matthew Awosanya, a blogger known online as JoesTv. They had been invited to perform at a three-day birthday praise programme organised by another gospel artiste when the event ran late into the night. Because their homes were far from the venue, they chose to stay overnight in the studio. The following morning, the studio owner found the door locked from inside and the four lifeless bodies of the artistes and crew when help was summoned to force entry.
In an emotional video posted on social media, the mother of Matthew Ogundele described her pain and urged Nigerians to help uncover the truth behind the deaths, which she described as “painful and suspicious.” She recounted how the family could not reach their phones the morning after, and when they found the bodies, the victims had swollen features that alarmed relatives and friends, prompting growing public outcry for a thorough investigation.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the incident, noting that the case was reported by the studio owner early Wednesday after he left the four at the music studio the night before. Police said there were no visible signs of violence on the bodies, and the victims’ remains were taken to Mainland Hospital, Yaba, where death was confirmed and bodies were deposited at the mortuary pending autopsy and further examination.
Authorities have transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) at Panti, Yaba, to pursue deeper investigation into the cause of death, while one suspect linked to the event’s organisation has been taken into custody as inquiries continue. Friends, fans, colleagues and members of the gospel music circle have taken to social media to demand justice and a full explanation of what led to the tragic loss of the four young men.
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