The deceased were identified as lighting director Ekemini “GeeTee” Imeh and his colleague, Ayodeji Walter Odediran. Their bodies were discovered on Saturday, February 7, within the premises of Evercare Hospital, which was reportedly being used as a filming location for the production.
According to a police source who spoke on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorisation to brief the media, the two crew members had arrived early at the location to install lighting equipment. After completing their setup, they allegedly entered a Nissan vehicle parked within the premises to rest while awaiting the next phase of filming.
Concern arose later in the day when repeated attempts to reach them by phone proved unsuccessful. The source disclosed that at about 11 a.m., another crew member reportedly brought breakfast to them in the vehicle. At the time, the air conditioner was said to be running, and both men appeared to be in good condition.
However, as production activities progressed, calls to their phones went unanswered. It was only after filming wrapped up around 8 p.m. that they were found lifeless inside the vehicle. Preliminary observations reportedly showed signs of distress, including foaming at the mouth, while one of the victims was said to have bloodstains around the nose and lips.
Another police source confirmed that the case was reported at the Maroko Police Station and that closed-circuit television footage from the premises is currently under review. The bodies have since been deposited at a morgue pending the outcome of forensic examinations.
The production was said to be directed by former Big Brother Naija housemate Boma Akpore.
Until his death, Imeh was the chief executive officer of a lighting company and had built a reputation within the Nigerian film industry for his technical expertise. He was widely recognised for his contributions to major productions, including King of Boys, as well as music videos for leading artistes such as Davido.
Confirming the development, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, stated that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department at Panti, Yaba, for further investigation. She added that autopsy and toxicology tests are being conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
The incident comes just days after gospel musician Matthew Ogundele, popularly known as Segun Praise, and three members of his crew were found dead inside a music studio in the Abraham Adesanya area of Ajah, Lagos State, raising fresh concerns over safety and welfare conditions within segments of the entertainment industry.