Tragedy in Lekki: Two Nollywood Crew Members Found Dead on Movie Set

 

​The Nigerian film industry, popularly known as Nollywood, has been thrown into deep mourning following the tragic and mysterious deaths of two essential crew members. On February 16, 2026, reports emerged detailing the discovery of two men found lifeless inside a parked vehicle at a movie location in the Lekki Phase 1 area of Lagos. This incident has sent shockwaves through the creative community, raising urgent questions about production safety and the welfare of behind-the-scenes professionals.

​The Victims: Industry Veterans Gone Too Soon

​The deceased have been identified as Ekemini "GeeTee" Imeh, a highly respected lighting director and CEO of GeeTee Light, and Ayodeji Walter Odediran (famously known as Director Carrington), a creative video director. Both men were stalwarts in the industry, with Imeh having worked on major cinematic projects such as King of Boys and high-profile music videos for global stars like Davido.

​Their deaths are not just a loss to their families but a significant blow to the technical backbone of Nollywood. Colleagues describe them as dedicated professionals who were often among the first to arrive and the last to leave a film set.

​Timeline of the Tragic Incident

​The tragedy reportedly unfolded on Saturday, February 7, 2026, while the crew was on location at a medical facility in Lekki, identified in some reports as Evercare Hospital. The production was being directed by former Big Brother Naija housemate, Boma Akpore.

• ​Early Morning: The duo arrived early at the location to set up lighting equipment for the day's shoot.
• ​10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: After completing their setup, Imeh and Odediran retreated to Imeh's Nissan vehicle to rest while waiting for filming to commence. At approximately 11:00 AM, a fellow crew member reportedly delivered a breakfast of yam and omelets to them. At this time, they appeared fine, and the car's air conditioning was running.
• ​The Afternoon Silence: As the shoot progressed, repeated calls to their phones went unanswered. While this was initially attributed to them being asleep, apprehension grew as the hours passed.
• ​8:00 PM: After the day's production wrapped, colleagues checked the vehicle and made the gruesome discovery. Both men were found motionless.

​Investigation and Potential Causes

​The Lagos State Police Command, through spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, for a thorough forensic examination.

​While an official autopsy is pending, several theories are currently being explored by investigators:

1. ​Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: One of the strongest leads involves the environment where the car was parked. Reports indicate that heavy industrial generators were operating nearby. Experts suggest that if the vehicle was idling in a space with poor ventilation near generator exhaust, the occupants may have succumbed to carbon monoxide—a "silent killer" that is odorless and tasteless.
2. ​Sudden Medical Emergency: Witnesses reported signs consistent with sudden distress, including foaming at the mouth and bloodstains around the nose and lips of the victims.
3. ​Mechanical Condition: Investigators are also inspecting the vehicle itself to determine if a mechanical fault allowed exhaust fumes to leak into the cabin.

​A Call for Industry Reform

​This heartbreaking event has reignited the conversation regarding safety standards on Nollywood sets. From long working hours to the proximity of heavy machinery and high-voltage equipment, crew members often face grueling conditions. The death of "GeeTee" and Director Carrington serves as a somber reminder that the "show must go on" mentality should never supersede the safety and health of the individuals making the magic happen.

​The families of the deceased, particularly Walter Odediran’s brother, Kola, have called for a transparent investigation, noting the "unnatural" and "sudden" nature of the tragedy.