Lagos Studio Deaths: Police Arrest Suspect in Gospel Artist Matthew Ogundele Case

The Lagos State Police Command has officially confirmed the arrest of one suspect in connection with the tragic deaths of popular gospel musician Matthew Ogundele and three other individuals in a recording studio in Ajah, Lagos State. This incident, which has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s gospel music community and beyond, is now under the purview of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a thorough probe. This article provides a comprehensive, SEO-optimized breakdown of the verified facts, the investigation’s status, the broader context, and practical guidance for concerned citizens.

Introduction: A Tragic Incident in Ajah

On a morning in early February 2026, a routine discovery at a music studio in the HFP Shopping Complex, along the Abraham Adesanya axis of Ajah, Lagos, unveiled a profound tragedy. Four individuals, including a well-known figure in the Nigerian gospel music scene, were found deceased. The subsequent police investigation led to the arrest of a key suspect, identified as the organiser of the event during which the victims were last seen alive. The case has been elevated to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Yaba, underscoring its seriousness. This development answers initial public calls for accountability but marks the beginning of a complex forensic and investigative process aimed at establishing the precise cause and circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Key Points: Verified Facts of the Case

Based on official police statements and initial reports, the following key points are established:

• Victims Identified: The deceased are Matthew Ogundele (a fashionable gospel artiste), Itunu Ogundele, Joseph Sanya, and blogger Matthew Awosanya (popularly known as JoesTv).
• Location & Discovery: Their bodies were discovered on a Wednesday morning inside a locked studio at the HFP Shopping Complex, Ajah. Forced entry was required.
• Arrest Made: One suspect, described as the organiser of the birthday reward programme for which the victims were performing, is currently in police custody at the SCID, Panti, Yaba.
• Investigation Status: The case was transferred from the Ajah Police Division to the SCID for advanced investigation. Police are actively awaiting the autopsy report to determine the cause of death.
• Initial Observations: Detectives reportedly observed no visible signs of violence on the bodies at the scene.
• Community Reaction: The incident has sparked widespread grief and demands for justice on social media from fans, colleagues, and the wider gospel music community.

Background: The Victims and the Setting

Who Was Matthew Ogundele?

Matthew Ogundele was recognised as a “fashionable gospel artiste,” a descriptor pointing to his contemporary style and appeal within Nigeria’s vibrant gospel music industry. While specific details of his discography may vary, his role as a performer invited to a studio session places him within the ecosystem of gospel music production and events. His death, alongside three others, represents a significant loss to his family, friends, and the artistic community.

The Studio Session Context

According to police, the four individuals were part of a gospel music group hired to perform at a “birthday reward programme.” This event was organised by the wife of the studio owner. The group completed their recording or performance session late on Tuesday night and chose to stay overnight within the studio premises—a not uncommon practice for artists working late or with early commitments. The following morning, the studio owner discovered the door locked from the inside, leading to the grim discovery.

The Gospel Music Community in Nigeria

Nigeria boasts one of Africa’s largest and most influential gospel music industries. Events like the one in Ajah are frequent, involving artists, technicians, bloggers (like JoesTv, who likely covered the event), and event organisers. The interconnected nature of this community means a tragedy of this scale resonates deeply, amplifying calls for transparency and a swift, conclusive investigation.

Analysis: The Investigation Pathway

The transfer of the case to the SCID is a standard procedural step for serious and complex crimes in Lagos State. This specialised department handles homicide, major robberies, and other felonies requiring advanced forensic and detective work. The investigation will likely follow several critical paths:

1. The Autopsy Report: The Cornerstone Evidence

Police have explicitly stated they are awaiting the autopsy report. This medical-legal document, to be conducted at the Mainland General Hospital mortuary where the bodies were deposited, is the single most crucial piece of evidence. It will determine the medical cause of death (e.g., asphyxiation, poisoning, cardiac event, trauma). The absence of “visible signs of violence” does not preclude foul play; many toxins or internal injuries leave no external marks. The autopsy will also help establish the time of death, which is vital for corroborating or challenging the timeline of events.

2. Forensic Scene Examination

Although initial reports noted no obvious violence, forensic teams would have collected potential evidence from the studio: fingerprints, DNA, traces of substances (medications, chemicals, food/drink), and any signs of a struggle or forced entry (other than the police’s forced entry). The locked-from-the-inside detail is particularly significant and will be scrutinised. Was it locked by the victims, or was it locked after the fact to stage a scene?

3. Custodial Investigation of the Suspect

The arrested organiser is the focal point of the interrogation. Police will seek to establish:

• The exact nature of the “birthday reward programme” and all involved parties.
• The financial transactions related to the event.
• The suspect’s last interaction with the victims and their state of health at that time.
• Access to the studio: Who had keys/codes? Was the suspect the last person to see them alive?
• Any prior disputes, financial issues, or personal conflicts.

4. Witness Statements and Digital Forensics

Investigators will take statements from the studio owner, any other staff, residents in the complex, and friends/family of the victims. Digital forensics will be crucial: mobile phone records (calls, texts, location data) of the victims and suspect around the time of death; any video footage from the shopping complex or nearby streets; and social media activity (the blogger victim’s posts may be relevant).

Potential Legal Scenarios

Based on the autopsy, charges could range from:

• Murder (culpable homicide): If evidence shows intentional unlawful killing.
• Culpable Homicide not amounting to murder: If death resulted from negligence or reckless acts without intent to kill.
• No criminal charge: If the autopsy conclusively points to natural causes, accidental death (e.g., carbon monoxide from a generator, food poisoning), or suicide (though four simultaneous suicides is statistically and forensically improbable).

Until the autopsy is complete, all possibilities remain open. Speculation in public discourse should be tempered with patience for scientific findings.

Practical Advice: For the Public and the Affected Community

In the wake of such a traumatic event, here is actionable advice:

For the Gospel Music Community and Event Organisers

• Safety Protocols: Never allow performers or crew to stay overnight in isolated studio or event spaces without secure, alternative accommodation. Ensure premises have clear emergency exits and are not reliant on single-point locking mechanisms from the inside without external override.
• Vetting Organisers: For paid events, verify the credibility and contact details of the organiser. Have clear written agreements.
• Buddy System: Encourage artists to travel and stay in pairs or groups, especially for late-night sessions.
• Health Disclosure: Artists with known medical conditions should have a designated companion aware of their needs and medications.

For Concerned Citizens and Social Media Users

• Rely on Official Sources: Follow updates from the Lagos State Police Command Public Relations Officer (SP Abimbola Adebisi) and reputable news outlets (like Vanguard). Avoid unverified viral posts that can hinder investigations and spread misinformation.
• Demand Justice, Not Vigilantism: Channel outrage into lawful demands for a transparent investigation. Do not target or harass the arrested suspect’s family, the studio owner, or others associated with the case. Presumption of innocence remains until proven guilty in court.
• Support the Families: The families of Matthew Ogundele, Itunu Ogundele, Joseph Sanya, and Matthew Awosanya are grieving. Respect their privacy and offer support through appropriate channels if possible.

If You Have Information

Anyone with credible information that could assist the SCID investigation is urged to contact the Lagos State Police Command or the nearest police station. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through official Lagos State police hotlines or crime reporting platforms.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Case

Q1: Why was the case transferred to the SCID?

A: The SCID (State Criminal Investigation Department) is the Lagos Police Command’s premier unit for investigating serious and complex crimes, including homicide. The simultaneous deaths of four individuals in suspicious circumstances automatically classify it as a major case requiring their specialised resources, forensic coordination, and detective expertise.

Q2: What does “locked from the inside” imply? Is it suspicious?

A: It is a detail that requires explanation. It could be consistent with a scenario where the victims locked the door themselves and then succumbed to an internal event (e.g., gas leak, mass food poisoning, sudden illness). However, it could also be a deliberate act by another person to create that appearance before leaving. Investigators will examine the lock mechanism, the positioning of any internal bolts, and the integrity of the door frame to determine if it was truly locked from within or if it was staged.

Q3: How long will the autopsy take?

A: In Nigeria, a standard medico-legal autopsy at a government hospital like Mainland General can take several weeks. The process involves a detailed external and internal examination, toxicology screening (testing for drugs, poisons, alcohol), and histology (tissue sample analysis). The complexity depends on the findings and the need for external laboratory tests. The police and families will be notified upon completion.

Q4: What happens after the autopsy report is out?

A: The report is forwarded to the investigating police team and the coroner. If the cause of death is determined to be unnatural (homicide, accident, poisoning), the investigation intensifies to identify responsible parties. The suspect in custody may be charged in court based on the combined evidence (autopsy, forensic, witness statements). If the cause is natural, the investigation may conclude, though police may still clarify the sequence of events.

Q5: Are there any legal implications for the studio owner?

A: Potentially, yes. Property owners have a duty of care to ensure their premises are reasonably safe for lawful visitors. If the investigation finds that a hazardous condition on the property (e.g., faulty generator exhaust, unsafe electrical wiring) directly caused the deaths, the owner could face charges of negligent homicide or civil liability. The owner’s role in locking the studio or knowledge of any risks will be examined.

Conclusion: Awaiting Truth and Justice

The deaths of Matthew Ogundele, Itunu Ogundele, Joseph Sanya, and Matthew Awosanya remain a profound mystery whose solution hinges on scientific and investigative rigor. The arrest of one suspect provides a focal point but is not a conclusion. The Lagos State Police, through the SCID, now bears the weight of a community’s demand for answers. The autopsy report is the pivotal document that will steer the case toward either a criminal prosecution or a tragic, unexplained loss. As the investigation proceeds, the public’s role is to remain calm, reject rumours, respect the legal process, and honour the memory of the deceased by insisting on a transparent, evidence-based pursuit of justice. The gospel music community’s vibrant culture deserves protection, and this case must serve as a stark reminder of the imperative for safety and accountability in all creative and event spaces.