The death of a disc jockey, identified simply as Bolaji, has created panic on Awolowo Street, Abule Egba, Lagos State.
The deceased, whose age could not be ascertained, was reportedly found dead in his rented apartment in the early hours of Friday, a day after his birthday.
PUNCH Metro learnt that the DJ and his girlfriend had retired to the apartment around 7pm on Thursday after a low-key birthday celebration.
The girlfriend reportedly fled the house around 6am, unknown to neighbours that Bolaji had died. It was gathered that his roommate, who had excused the duo, came back home in the morning and found Bolaji dead on a chair.
Our correspondent learnt that the police from the Oko Oba division were alerted to the incident.
The main gate of the building where Bolaji lived was locked from outside when PUNCH Metro visited the place on Saturday. Most residents approached by our correspondent confirmed the incident.
A shop owner, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said no mark of violence was found on the deceased, adding that the cause of his death was still a mystery.
He said, “I only know him as Bolaji. He was a DJ and popularly called BJ. His birthday was Thursday. Many people, including me, wished him happy birthday that day. His girlfriend is from the East, but I don’t know her name. They have been dating each other for a long time and Bolaji’s family knows her.
“They were together on that day and she decided to pass the night in his house. Bolaji’s roommate came home in the morning and knocked the door, but he didn’t answer. He called his telephone, he didn’t pick his calls. The roommate eventually barged in and met him lying on the chair, with his clothes wet. He alerted their neighbours.
“Some of the neighbours said they saw Bolaji’s girlfriend leaving around 6am, but they didn’t suspect anything.”
A resident, who also declined to give her name, said calls made to the line of the girlfriend indicated that it was switched off.
He stated that the death was a shock to the community, adding that Bolaji had planned to specially mark the birthday on Sunday.
He said, “Everybody is being careful to talk to strangers about the incident because you don’t know who is who. Some policemen have come here to gather information from people. It is possible she didn’t have a hand in his death, but was afraid and ran away. She should not have fled. And now, her line is not reachable.”
The deceased’s elder brother, who identified himself simply as Deji, declined comments on the death when contacted on the telephone.
He said, “Is that good news? I am not happy about what happened to my brother. Please, don’t call me again as regards the incident.”
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, said investigations had commenced.
“It is a case of sudden and unnatural death. The case is under investigation,” he said.
