Late Chikezie Mba Igbo-Jah, Police Inspector Ozonwanji Joseph
By Akeem Atoyebi
Residents of Enugu, Enugu State, trooped out en masse on Saturday to protest the murder of an Ogene musician, Chikezie Mba, popularly known as Igbo-Jah, by a police inspector.
Mba was reportedly killed by the police inspector, Ozonwanji Joseph, at Police Anti-cult Tactical Squad headquarters in Enugu on Friday evening during a visit.
It was gathered that hundreds of residents of the state who were bittered about Mba’s death matched to the anti-cult headquarters and attempted to burn it down.
The protests turned violent, as the police fired teargas at the youths.
The protesters blocked some roads in parts of the state capital, including Onu Asata, where they setup a bonfire with angry songs.
Meanwhile, Governor Peter Mbah has ordered an investigation into the killing.
Mbah took to his social media handle to offer condolences to the deceased’s family and assured the public that he had directed a full investigation into the matter.
He said, “I received with a deep sense of grief, the untimely death of Okezie Mba, popularly known as Igbo Jah, under a very sad circumstance. It is a huge loss for us as Ndigbo in general and Ndi Enugu in particular.
“He was one of the Enugu and Igbo talents, who continued to popularise the Igbo culture through their ogene music.
“I have been briefed by the police and I have equally ordered a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure justice for him, his family, and fans around the world.
“On behalf of Ndi Enugu, I also send my heartfelt condolences to his family and fans. May God grant his soul eternal repose,” the governor wrote.
However, the spokesperson for Enugu police command, Daniel Ndukwe, in a statement on Saturday, said the police inspector has been arrested.
Ndukwe said, “A male police inspector serving in the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad of the Enugu State police command has been arrested and detained over 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, 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.
