Okezie Chikezie Mba “Igbo Jah” Police Inspector Ozonwanji Joseph who allegedly shot the policeman
By Victory Oghene
The killing of a popular Ogene Musician “Igbo Jah” Okezie Chikezie Mba by a Police officer known as Inspector Ozonwanji Joseph has culminated into protest and uproar in Enugu.
The musician was reportedly shot dead by Inspector Ozonwanji Joseph, an operative of the Nigeria Police Force attached to anti-cult unit of the Enugu State Police Command.
The recent incident occurred on Friday at the Tactical Squad’s Headquarters.
An X user Naija Trend which shared the video of lifeless body of the deceased in a pool of blood on his handle, said he was killed while performing in Enugu in what had been tagged, “accidental discharge”.
It wrote: “Popular Ogene Musician ‘Igbo Jah’ has tragically passed after being shot by Anti-cult Police Officer in what has been described as an ‘Accidental Discharge’ While Performing In Enugu.”
The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the killing of the musician noting that the police officer involved had been arrested and detained.
The Command spokesman, Daniel Ndukwe who confirmed the incident on Saturday, said that the Commissioner of Police Kanayo Uzuegbu had visited, consoled and assured family and friends of the late musician that the police officer and anyone else found culpable will be appropriately sanctioned to serve as a deterrent.
He said: “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, Mr 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.”
Meanwhile the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah has ordered a thorough investigation into the murder of the late musician.
Reacting to the development on Saturday, Mbah took to his social media handles to condole with the deceased’s family, stressing that he had ordered a full investigation into the matter.
“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.
