Lighting director Ekemini Imeh and associate Ayodeji Odediran discovered unresponsive after hours on location; police probe possible carbon monoxide poisoning
Tragedy has struck the Nollywood community once again, as two crew members were found dead inside a parked vehicle at a movie location in the Lekki area of Lagos State, prompting an investigation into what may be another case of suspected generator fume inhalation.
The victims—lighting director Ekemini "GeeTee" Imeh and his associate, Ayodeji Walter Odediran—were discovered unresponsive on Saturday, February 7, within the premises of Evercare Hospital, Lekki Phase 1, which was being used as a filming location.
The Day's Events
According to police sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, the two crew members arrived early on set to install lighting equipment before shooting commenced. After completing their task, they reportedly entered a tinted Nissan vehicle to rest while awaiting further production activities for a movie reportedly directed by former Big Brother Naija housemate, Boma.
"Around 11 am, a production staff member delivered breakfast to them inside the vehicle. The air-conditioning was said to be on, and both men appeared relaxed at the time," a police source told PUNCH Metro.
As filming continued throughout the day, repeated calls to their phones went unanswered. It was only when production wrapped around 8 pm that colleagues grew concerned and went searching for the pair.
"Their lifeless bodies were later found in the vehicle. They were foaming at the mouth, while one had blood stains around the nose and lips," the source added.
Industry Loss
Imeh, until his death, was the Chief Executive Officer of a lighting company and had built a reputation as one of Nollywood's most sought-after lighting directors. His portfolio included work on major productions such as "King of Boys" and music videos for top artists including Davido.
The case was immediately reported at the Maroko Police Station, and CCTV footage from the hospital premises is being reviewed as part of the investigation.
Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the incident on Sunday, stating that "the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba, for further investigation while autopsy and toxicology examinations are being conducted to determine the cause of death."
A Troubling Pattern
The incident comes barely a week after gospel artiste Matthew Ogundele, popularly known as Segun Praise, and three of his crew members were found dead inside a music studio in the Abraham Adesanya area of Ajah, Lagos State. In that case, the victims were discovered in an enclosed space with a generator reportedly running nearby.
While investigations are still ongoing in both cases, suspicions have fallen on carbon monoxide poisoning from generator fumes—a silent killer that has claimed numerous lives across Nigeria, where power outages make generators an essential but dangerous part of daily life.
Industry Mourning
The Nollywood community has been thrown into mourning by the loss, with colleagues and fans taking to social media to pay tribute. Imeh's work behind the scenes had helped bring countless productions to life, though his name was rarely known outside industry circles.
For Odediran, his associate, the industry has lost a rising talent whose potential will never be fully realized.
As forensic examinations continue, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by production crews who often work long hours in challenging conditions—and of the silent danger that lurks in idling vehicle engines and poorly ventilated generator sheds.
The film being shot that day has likely been halted indefinitely. Some stories, it seems, are not meant to be told.
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