Police in Nigeria have launched a homicide investigation into the death of popular singer Destiny Boy, who died at the age of 22, with authorities confirming that one person has been arrested.
In a brief statement, Ogun State Police said the case is being handled by its homicide section. The force did not provide further details on the arrest or the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death.
News of Destiny Boy’s passing emerged on Sunday and quickly spread across social media, triggering widespread shock and speculation. While the exact cause of death remains unclear, members of his family have said he had been battling a long-term illness. His body has since been buried in accordance with Muslim rites.
Born Afeez Adesina, Destiny Boy was regarded as a rising star in the Afrofuji scene, a genre that blends traditional Yoruba Fuji music with contemporary Afrobeats. He gained national attention in 2019 after his version of Davido’s hit song If went viral online. Following that success, he released his own interpretations of popular tracks as well as original music.
After his death, videos circulated widely on social media showing what appeared to be his body being transported to a mortuary. The footage fuelled rumours and questions about what may have led to his passing.
Family members have maintained that the singer suffered from a chronic illness that caused frequent seizures. In an online video, his mother, Saida, said the family sought both medical and traditional treatment in an effort to manage the condition. She described the illness as severe, saying it had at times affected his mental state and required relatives to physically restrain him during seizures to stop him from running away.
Tributes and condolence messages have poured in from Nigerians online, alongside calls for clarity about the circumstances of his death. On X, fellow artist Ruger questioned why there had reportedly been no autopsy, writing that people were being asked to simply accept the loss.
Destiny Boy began his career as a backup dancer for Fuji musician Pasuma at T2 Boys Studios in Agege, Lagos, before transitioning fully into music and gaining widespread recognition in 2019.
His death comes just over a year after the birth of his first child with his partner, Iremide, who welcomed the baby in November 2024.
