Host in custody as Lagos police probe death of gospel artiste, three others
Lagos State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with the mysterious deaths of gospel musician Matthew Ogundele and three associates found dead inside a music studio in the Abraham Adesanya area of Ajah, Lagos State.
The victims — Ogundele, his crew members Itunu Ogundele and Joseph Sanya, and blogger Matthew Awosanya, popularly known as JoesTv — were discovered lifeless inside a studio within the HFP Shopping Complex following a performance on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
According to the Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the suspect taken into custody is the organiser of the event where the group was booked to perform.
The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti, Yaba, as investigators await the results of autopsy examinations.
Police say the victims had been invited to minister during a three-day birthday praise programme organised by Olanireti Akinbola, wife of the studio owner, Akintayo Akinbola.
After performing late into the night on the second day of the event, they reportedly chose to stay overnight at the studio due to the late hour and the distance to their homes.
Mr. Akinbola is said to have reported the incident on Wednesday, February 4, after returning to the studio and finding the door locked from the inside. Upon forcing entry with neighbours’ help, he discovered the four unresponsive.
Police have stated that no visible signs of violence were observed on the bodies at the scene, and the remains were taken to Mainland Hospital, Yaba, where a medical doctor confirmed their deaths.
They are currently at the Mainland General Hospital mortuary pending autopsy.
The arrest marks a significant development in the case, which has drawn public attention and widespread reactions on social media, with friends, colleagues and members of the gospel music community urging a thorough investigation.
In related developments, family members of the victims have begun calling for justice, with one mourner — the mother of a victim — appealing for public support and accountability in the unfolding tragedy.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed further details about the suspect’s identity or whether formal charges have yet been filed, and police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths as they await forensic reports.
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