Juliana Francis
A male Police Inspector serving in the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad of the Enugu State Police Command has been arrested and detained for the alleged murder of a male traditional Ogene musician, Okezie Chikezie Mba, popularly known as Igbo-Jah.
The incident occurred around 8:10 p.m. on October 25, 2024, at the Tactical Squad’s Headquarters.
The musician was reportedly leaving the Squad’s Headquarters after a friendly visit when, for reasons yet to be ascertained, the police officer fired his rifle, hitting the victim.
He was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead by the attending doctor. His body has been deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, has ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State CID to conduct a full-scale investigation that will facilitate prompt and appropriate disciplinary actions against the police officer.
The Commissioner empathises and consoles the victim’s family, friends, and associates, describing the unfortunate incident as unacceptable. He assures that the police officer and anyone else found culpable will be sanctioned in line with the law to serve as a deterrent.
CP Kanayo urges everyone connected to the victim to remain calm and cooperate with the police to ensure that justice is served.
The CP, in the company of top officials of the State Government, visited the family of the deceased Ogene musician, Chikezie Okezie Nwamba (a.k.a. Igbo-Jah), to console the family over the unfortunate shooting and murder of the musician by a police officer.
CP Kanayo reassured the family, relatives, friends, and good people of Enugu State that the ongoing investigation into the case will be concluded within record time and justice duly served.
The CP emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force remains a disciplined organisation where erring police officers are made to face the consequences of their actions to serve as deterrence to others.
He restated his sympathy and empathy to everyone affected by the unfortunate and callous murder of the musician, urging all and sundry to keep faith with the police while justice is done to the case.
Meanwhile, Police Inspector Ozonwanji Joseph has been identified as responsible for the shooting. He is currently in custody and will be made to face the full weight of the law upon the conclusion of the investigation.
The Command spokesman, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, Daniel Ndukwe, said an orderly room trial of Police Inspector Ozonwanji Joseph, implicated in the murder of Ogene musician, Chikezie Okezie Nwamba, has been concluded.
He added that the Inspector was found culpable and received the maximum penalty of dismissal, followed by court prosecution in line with the Police Act and Regulations 2020.
Accordingly, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 13 (covering Anambra and Enugu States’ Commands), approved the orderly trial recommendations to dismiss and prosecute the Inspector in court.
Ndukwe stated: “Hence, he has been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force and was today, October 28, 2024, arraigned at the Enugu East Magistrate Court for the offence of murder.
“The Chief Magistrate ordered the remand of the former officer in the Enugu Correctional Custodial Centre and the transmission of the case file to the Attorney General of Enugu State for further judicial action. The trial was adjourned to November 12, 2024.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, once again, extends his condolences to the family, friends, and associates of the deceased, expressing gratitude to the government, people of Enugu State, and the public for their support throughout the case.
“CP Kanayo reemphasized that the Nigeria Police Force remains a disciplined government agency, assuring that under his leadership, the Command will continue to hold all erring officers accountable for their actions.”
