“Tragedy in Lagos: Two Musicians Dead After All-Night Studio Session — Who They Were and What Went Wrong”

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Early on the morning of September 3, 2020, a tragic discovery was made at a music studio in the Alagbado area of Lagos State. Two upcoming artistes — Ajibawo Lawal and Sunday Akhigbe (also reported by some sources with the alias “Santa Pupa Boya”) — were found dead inside the studio, while two other people, including the studio manager, were found unconscious and rushed to the hospital. (The Gazelle News)

Who They Were (Names and Ages)

• Ajibawo Lawal, age 37 at the time of death. (The Gazelle News)

• Sunday Akhigbe, age 12, according to police reports at the scene. (WITHIN NIGERIA)

They had reportedly spent the entire night working on music inside the studio. (WITHIN NIGERIA)

What Happened: The Morning of the Tragedy

Around 7:00 a.m., neighbors became suspicious after noticing that although the studio’s generator was still running, no one had exited the building all night. Concerned, they forced entry through a window and made the horrifying discovery. Inside, they found Lawal and Akhigbe lifeless. Two other individuals — including the studio manager — were unconscious. (The Gazelle News)

Authorities were alerted immediately. The scene revealed a running generator and reported recovery of various items from the premises, including what some locals claimed were hard drugs — although these claims contributed to speculation and were not definitively confirmed. (The Herald)

Speculations on Cause of Death

Early indications point to possible generator-fume inhalation or the combined effects of poor ventilation and substance use. The presence of a running generator, enclosed space, and alleged narcotics inside the studio fueled these theories. (The Herald)

A spokesperson for the police, Lagos State Police Command, confirmed the discovery at the studio — identified as Coded Music Recording Studio — but emphasized that cause of death would not be officially confirmed until forensic and medical reports were completed. (WITHIN NIGERIA)

Controversy and Ongoing Investigation

The manager of one of the deceased artists has publicly questioned the official narrative, suggesting that foul play or poisoning could have been involved. According to him, his artist did not drink alcohol, which contradicts some public speculation about drug or alcohol abuse leading to death. (Linda Ikeji's Blog)

As of the last public reports, no definitive cause of death had been released, and the case remained under investigation. (The Herald)

Broader Implications: Studio Safety and Risk Factors

This tragedy underscores serious dangers faced by many underground and upcoming musicians, particularly in situations where power supply is unreliable and generators are used in closed, poorly ventilated spaces. Studios using constantly running generators — especially overnight — can pose severe risks if there’s inadequate airflow. The incident has sparked calls for stricter safety standards, better ventilation practices, and more accountability within the recording-studio ecosystem.

Final Thoughts

The deaths of Ajibawo Lawal (37) and Sunday Akhigbe (12) remain one of the saddest chapters in Lagos’ music-scene history. Their untimely passing, reportedly after a night of artistic creativity, serves as both a warning and a call to action — a reminder that behind the glamor and passion for music, safety cannot be an afterthought. Until investigation findings are publicly released, many questions remain unanswered.

As fans, artists, and studio owners reflect on this tragedy, one hope remains: that their legacy prompts change — safer environments, transparency, and respect for the lives and dreams of musicians everywhere.