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| Image: Facebook |
Tragedy has rocked the gospel music community following the sudden death of popular gospel singer, Matthew Ogundele, and three members of his crew, who were found lifeless inside a music studio in the Ajah area of Lagos State.
The heartbreaking incident occurred at a studio located in the Abraham Adesanya axis of Ajah. The deceased were identified as Itunu Ogundele, Joseph Sanya, and blogger Matthew Awosanya, widely known as JoesTv.
According to reports, the group had been invited to minister at a three-day birthday praise programme organised by fellow gospel artiste, Olanireti Akinbola. The event reportedly began on Monday, with Ogundele and his team scheduled to perform on Tuesday, the second day of the programme.
A police source disclosed that the session lasted late into the night, prompting the artistes and their crew to remain in the studio overnight due to the distance to their homes. Sadly, their bodies were discovered the following morning.
“The convener invited some gospel artistes to minister during her three-day birthday praise, which started on Monday. Segun Praise was scheduled to minister on the second day, and he came with his crew. The session started in the evening and ran late, so they decided to stay overnight in the studio. It was the following morning that we heard that their lifeless bodies were found in the studio,” the source said.
Adding to the account, a Christian blog, Omojesu, shared a statement on Facebook, suggesting that the victims may have died in their sleep. “In pursuit of a better life, a blogger known as JoesMediaTv and three musicians were reportedly invited to perform at a virtual birthday praise event at a studio around Ajah. Due to the distance of the studio from their homes, they decided to stay overnight at the location. Allegedly, they all passed away in their sleep,” the post read.
The incident was promptly reported at the Ajiwe Police Station in Ajah, sparking shock and outrage among colleagues, fans, and members of the Christian community. Several friends and associates of the deceased have since taken to social media to express their grief and demand a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Photos circulating online allegedly showed blood stains around the noses, ears, and mouths of the victims, heightening concerns and fueling calls for justice.
Confirming the incident, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said the case was reported by the studio owner, Akintayo Akinbola, who is also the husband of the birthday celebrant.
“Akintayo said he left the artistes at his music studio located inside the HFP Shopping Complex on Tuesday night after buying food for them, as they were preparing for a music concert. However, at about 11am on Wednesday, Akintayo returned to the studio and discovered that the door was locked from the inside. Alarmed by the situation, he reportedly called for help, and the door was eventually forced open. On entering the studio, the lifeless bodies of the four artistes were discovered,” Adebisi said.
She further explained that detectives immediately visited the scene to gather evidence and assess the situation. According to her, no visible signs of violence were observed on the bodies during the initial examination.
“Detectives visited the scene, took photographs, and found no signs of violence on the bodies. The corpses were taken to the Mainland Hospital, Yaba, where a medical doctor on duty confirmed them dead. The bodies were later deposited at the Mainland General Hospital mortuary, Yaba, for autopsy and preservation,” she stated.
Adebisi also revealed that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti, Yaba, for comprehensive investigation to determine the exact cause of death.
As investigations continue, the tragic loss has cast a dark cloud over the gospel music community, with many mourning the untimely passing of the talented artistes and praying for comfort for their families. The incident has also reignited conversations around safety, health, and emergency preparedness during overnight recording or rehearsal sessions.
Further updates are expected as authorities work to unravel the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
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