Inspector Who Killed Singer Igbo-Jah in Enugu Dismissed
The Enugu State Police Command has announced the dismissal of Inspector Ozonwanji Joseph for allegedly killing Okezie Mba popularly known as Igbo-Jah, an Enugu-based musician.
Mba, known as Igbo Jah, was reportedly shot on Friday evening after a friendly visit to the headquarters of the anti-cult tactical unit in Enugu State.
The musician was said to have been leaving the headquarters when the inspector opened fire unprovoked.
Igbo Jah was rushed to Eastern Medical Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The body was taken to the mortuary for autopsy.
The musician’s death angered fans and state residents, who demanded that justice be served.
In a statement Monday, Enugu police spokesman Daniel Ndukwe said Joseph’s trial in the orderly room has ended.
Ndukwe said the inspector was found guilty of murder and dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force.
He added that the inspector was recommended for prosecution.
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. 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 statement reads.
Meanwhile, Joseph has been charged with murder at the magistrate court sitting in Enugu.
“That you Ozonwanji Joseph ‘m’ on 25th day of October 2024 at about 2010hrs at anti-Cultism Police Squad, Goshen Estate Enugu in the Enugu North Magisterial District, unlawfully killed one Okezie Chikezie Nwamba ‘m’ by firing him with an AK47 Riffle, which caused his death and thereby committed an offence, punishable under Section 274(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2024.” the charge sheet read.
Ngozi Edeani, the magistrate, ordered that the case file be transferred to the attorney-general of the state.
The magistrate later ordered that the dismissed police inspector be remanded at the Enugu correctional centre.
The trial was adjourned to November 12, 2024.
