BBC – Police in Nigeria have made one arrest as they investigate the death at 22 of popular singer Destiny Boy, whose real name was Afeez Adesina.
Ogun state police’s homicide section is dealing with the case, it said in a brief statement.
News of Destiny Boy’s death emerged on Sunday, sparking shock and speculation on social media. It is not clear exactly what happened but his family reportedly said he had been suffering from a long-term illness. The body has since been buried in line with Muslim rites.
Destiny Boy was seen as a promising young Afrofuji artist, known for blending traditional Yoruba Fuji sounds with modern Afrobeats.
He came to national prominence after his 2019 version of popstar Davido’s hit song If went viral on social media. He later recorded his own renditions of other popular songs as well as original tracks.
Following the young man’s death, videos shared widely on social media showed what appeared to be his body being transported to a mortuary, triggering rumours about what may have led to his death.
Family members have said the singer had been living with a long-term illness, which they said caused him to have seizures.
In an online video, his mother, Saida, stated that the family had sought both medical and traditional treatment for the condition.
She said the illness “had almost run him mad”, adding that relatives had to physically restrain him during seizures to prevent him from running out.
Nigerians online have been sending condolence messages, with some questioning the circumstances of his death.
On X, artist Ruger appeared to be complaining that there had been “no autopsy” and “we just have to accept that he’s dead. May God RIP Destiny Boy”.
The artist began his career as a backup dancer for Fuji musician Pasuma at T2 Boys Studios in Agege, a suburb of Lagos, before gaining wider attention in 2019.
His death comes about a year after the birth of his first child with his partner, Iremide, in November 2024.
