*Hospital staff, security operatives under investigation
Again, tragedy has struck Nigeria’s film industry following the sudden and mysterious deaths of renowned Nollywood lighting director, Ekemini ‘GeeTee’ Imeh, and his childhood friend, Ayodeji Walter Odediran, during a movie production in Lekki, Lagos.
The incident occurred on Saturday, February 7, at a well-known hospital in Lekki that had been selected as a filming location for a movie being produced and directed by former Big Brother Naija housemate, Boma.
Imeh, the Chief Executive Officer of a leading lighting outfit, was widely respected in Nollywood for his technical expertise and contributions to blockbuster productions, including King of Boys, as well as high-profile music videos for artistes such as Davido.
How the Incident Unfolded
Sources familiar with the development disclosed that Imeh and Odediran arrived at the location early in the morning to install lighting equipment for the day’s shoot.
After completing their task around 10 a.m., the two men reportedly returned to Imeh’s tinted Nissan vehicle to rest while awaiting the arrival of other crew members and cast.
About 11 a.m., a member of the production team was said to have delivered breakfast to them in the car. The source noted that the pair appeared relaxed, with the vehicle’s air conditioning running.
However, as the day progressed, repeated phone calls from family members and colleagues reportedly went unanswered, raising alarm.
Their bodies were eventually discovered between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., after filming activities had wrapped up for the day.
The vehicle, which had earlier been parked in a designated area for the production crew, was said to have been moved to a spot directly in front of the hospital’s reception.
Eyewitnesses described a distressing scene. Odediran was reportedly found foaming at the mouth, while Imeh was discovered face-down, with visible traces of blood around his nose, eyes and mouth.
Families Demand Answers
Relatives of the deceased have expressed suspicion over the circumstances surrounding the deaths, alleging possible foul play.
Family sources claimed that hospital officials initially restricted attempts to take photographs at the scene. They also alleged that officers at the Maroko Police Station did not provide detailed explanations before directing that the bodies be deposited at a morgue.
Following the involvement of a retired senior police officer acting on behalf of the families, the matter was reportedly escalated to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, for further probe.
Police Intensify Investigation
The Lagos State Police Command has since launched a full-scale investigation. The film’s producer, Boma, has been taken in for questioning alongside the caterer who supplied the meals and the production staff member who delivered the food.
Investigators have also been deployed to the Lekki hospital to review closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage and question security operatives and medical personnel who were on duty at the time of the incident.
Meanwhile, the bereaved families are insisting on a comprehensive autopsy to determine the exact cause of death and have vowed to pursue justice should investigations confirm any wrongdoing.
The deaths have sent shockwaves through Nollywood, with colleagues and industry stakeholders calling for transparency and a thorough investigation into the tragic development.
