The other victims were identified as Itunu Ogundele, Joseph Sanya, and a blogger, Matthew Awosanya, also known as JoesTv. Their lifeless bodies were discovered on Wednesday morning, a development that has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice across social media.
Confirming the arrest on Sunday, the command’s spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, told PUNCH Metro that the suspect — identified as the organiser of the event at which the victims were scheduled to perform — is currently in police custody.
According to her, the case was initially reported at the Ajah Police Division before being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
“One suspect, identified as the organiser of the event, is currently in custody. Investigation is ongoing while we await the autopsy report,” Adebisi said.
Events Leading to the Tragedy
Findings revealed that the victims had been invited to minister on Tuesday, the second day of a three-day virtual birthday praise programme organised by a female gospel artiste, Olanireti Akinbola. The programme reportedly began on Monday.
A police source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the session extended late into the night, prompting Segun Praise and members of his crew to spend the night at the studio.
“The convener invited some gospel artistes to minister during her three-day birthday praise. Segun Praise came with his crew. The programme ended late, so they decided to sleep in the studio. It was the next morning that their bodies were found,” the source said.
A Christian blog, Omojesu, also claimed via a Facebook post that the victims stayed overnight because the studio was far from their respective homes.
Discovery of the Bodies
Adebisi further explained that the incident was reported by the studio owner, Akintayo Akinbola, who is also the husband of the celebrant. He reportedly informed the police that he bought food for the artistes on Tuesday night before leaving them in the studio located within the HFP Shopping Complex.
“He stated that the artistes returned to the studio with the food while he went home. At about 11am on Wednesday, he returned and found the door locked from the inside. With the help of others, the door was forced open, and the lifeless bodies of the four persons were discovered,” she said.
Detectives who visited the scene reportedly found no visible marks of violence on the bodies. The victims were later taken to Mainland Hospital, Yaba, where a doctor confirmed them dead. Their remains have since been deposited at the mortuary for autopsy and preservation.
Speculations and Public Reactions
While the exact cause of death is yet to be determined, speculations have ranged from inhalation of generator fumes to possible food poisoning. The police, however, said conclusions would only be drawn after the autopsy report is released.
Meanwhile, associates of the deceased have alleged that the event convener has gone into hiding, noting that her husband is the one currently in police custody.
One colleague of the victims, who requested anonymity, claimed:
“Olanireti invited them, but since the incident happened, she has refused to speak. Her social media accounts are now private. The husband is the one with the police.”
Emotional Appeal for Justice
An emotional video circulating on social media shows the mother of one of the victims, Matthew, appealing for justice and describing the incident as suspicious and devastating.
“Matthew went to a show. They left on Tuesday. There were four of them. When we got to the venue in Ajah, we couldn’t find them. We kept calling their phones, but no response,” she said tearfully.
“We later found their corpses. Please, don’t let me suffer in vain. I don’t know what they gave them to eat. The four of them who slept in that studio died.”
The tragedy has renewed concerns over sudden deaths in enclosed spaces, incidents that have been reported in different parts of the country in recent years, often linked to generator fumes, poor ventilation, or faulty electrical equipment.
In January, BrandIconImage reported a similar case in Rivers State, where a family of six reportedly died from suspected inhalation of generator fumes.
As investigations continue, colleagues, family members, and concerned Nigerians have continued to demand a thorough probe and justice for the victims.