Lagos police arrest suspect in gospel artistes deaths; four found dead in Ajah studio as autopsy report awaited

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with the deaths of gospel artiste Matthew Ogundele, known professionally as Segun Praise, and three others found dead inside a music studio in Abraham Adesanya, Ajah.

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

Their bodies were discovered on Wednesday morning, sparking widespread outrage and calls for justice across social media.

Confirming the arrest, police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi said the suspect, identified as the organiser of the event where the victims were scheduled to perform, is currently in custody.

“Investigation is ongoing while we await the autopsy report,” Adebisi said, noting that the case was transferred from Ajah Police Division to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further inquiry.

Findings indicate the victims had been invited to minister during the second day of a three-day virtual birthday praise programme organised by female gospel artiste Olanireti Akinbola.

The session reportedly extended late into the night, prompting Segun Praise and his crew to spend the night at the studio.

The studio owner, Akintayo Akinbola, husband of the celebrant, reportedly discovered the bodies at about 11am on Wednesday when he returned to the studio.

Police investigators noted no visible marks of violence on the victims.

The bodies were taken to Mainland Hospital, Yaba, for confirmation and have since been deposited at the mortuary pending autopsy.

While the precise cause of death remains undetermined, speculation has ranged from inhalation of generator fumes to possible food poisoning.

Associates of the victims have raised concerns over the convener’s absence, highlighting that her husband is currently in police custody.

Emotional tributes have emerged online, including a video of Matthew Ogundele’s mother appealing for justice. “Matthew went to a show.

They left on Tuesday… We later found their corpses. Please, don’t let me suffer in vain,” she said tearfully.

The incident has reignited nationwide concerns over sudden deaths in enclosed spaces, often linked to poor ventilation, generator fumes, or faulty electrical equipment.

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Authorities have urged patience as investigations continue to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths.