Destiny Boy’s Death Explained: What Really Happened, What We Know, and the Questions Nigerians Are Still Asking

The death of fast-rising Afro-Fuji and Afrobeats singer Destiny Boy, born Afeez Adeshina, has continued to stir emotions, controversy and deep conversations across Nigeria. The 22-year-old artiste reportedly died on Sunday, January 18, 2026, cutting short a career many believed was only just beginning.

Recall that NaijaChoice News had earlier reported the breaking news of Destiny Boy’s sudden death, a development that immediately threw the entertainment industry and his fans into shock. Since then, fresh details, official statements and investigations have continued to emerge.

This is how everything unfolded.

How Nigerians Heard the News

The first public report of Destiny Boy’s death emerged in the early hours of January 18 when journalist Temilola Sobola posted a brief message on X announcing that the singer had passed away. The post spread like wildfire.

Almost immediately, social media was flooded with disbelief. Fans questioned how a young, active artist—who had only recently become a father—could suddenly be gone. At that moment, there was no official statement from his family, management or label, and no explanation for what caused his death.

That silence created room for speculation.

Rumours, Videos and Growing Suspicion

Within hours, disturbing claims began to circulate online. Some posts alleged that Destiny Boy vomited blood before he died. Others claimed he collapsed at a traditional healer’s place. Videos showing his body being moved to a mortuary, with cotton wool in his nostrils and ears, only intensified the tension.

For many Nigerians, the situation felt uncomfortably familiar. Comparisons were quickly drawn to the late Mohbad, with fans insisting that Destiny Boy’s case must not be swept under the carpet.

At this point, however, none of the claims were backed by official evidence.

Family Breaks Silence on His Health Struggles

Clarity began to emerge when Destiny Boy’s mother, Saida, finally spoke out in a viral video. Fighting back tears, she revealed that her son had been battling a long-term illness known locally as “Ogu oru” or “Oku oru.”

According to her, the condition caused recurring seizures, stiffness similar to epilepsy, and episodes where the singer would lose control and behave abnormally after attacks. She said the family deliberately kept the illness private because of his public image and rising fame.

She explained that his condition worsened shortly after the naming ceremony of his newborn child. From there, the family moved him between hospitals while also seeking spiritual and traditional help, hoping for a breakthrough. Despite their efforts, Destiny Boy suffered another seizure and died on Sunday.

Saida strongly denied rumours that her son was involved in money rituals, describing such claims as cruel lies being spread for attention.

The Traditional Healer Angle Explained

Much of the online speculation centred on Destiny Boy’s association with a traditional priest, Oba Edu Ifayomi. His mother addressed this directly, explaining that the priest was a trusted figure who treated the singer like a son and even supported his medical bills.

She clarified that Destiny Boy did not die at a shrine, as widely claimed. According to her, the final seizure occurred when the priest was not around, and medical treatment was already ongoing at the time.

Police Step In, Make Arrest

As earlier reported by NaijaChoice News, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed that it had opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Destiny Boy’s death.

The police announced that one suspect had been arrested and that the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department’s Homicide Section. While details about the suspect were not made public, the announcement reassured many Nigerians that the case would not be ignored.

Another Twist: His Missing SUV

Meanwhile, NaijaChoice News also reported that Destiny Boy’s father raised an alarm over the disappearance of his late son’s SUV, barely days after his death.

He explained that the vehicle was purchased from Lycon Autos and that a driver provided by the dealership later became Destiny Boy’s personal driver. According to him, the driver allegedly returned the SUV to the dealership over an unresolved debt—without informing the family. Since then, neither the driver nor the vehicle has been seen.

The revelation raised fresh questions and added to the unease surrounding events after the singer’s death.

Viral Clip and the “Mother’s Curse” Claim

Social media drama escalated again after an old TikTok live video resurfaced, showing Destiny Boy’s mother angrily scolding him during a disagreement. Some bloggers and users falsely interpreted the clip as proof that she had cursed her son before his death.

Reacting, Destiny Boy’s elder sister dismissed the allegation, insisting that the video was taken out of context and showed nothing more than a family dispute. She accused bloggers of exploiting the tragedy for traffic and sympathy.

Who Destiny Boy Was to Nigerian Music

Destiny Boy became a household name in 2019 after his Fuji-style cover of If caught national attention. His unique blend of Fuji and street-inspired Afrobeats set him apart, earning him a loyal fanbase.

He went on to release several popular songs and had only recently stepped into fatherhood—making the loss even more painful for fans who watched him grow from a teenage talent into a rising star.

Where Things Stand Now

What is clear is that Destiny Boy is gone, and Nigeria has lost another young talent too soon. What remains unclear is the full medical picture behind his death, the details of the police investigation, and how some events surrounding his final days will be resolved.

NaijaChoice News will continue to monitor the situation and bring readers verified updates as developments unfold.

🕊️ May Destiny Boy rest in perfect peace.