Police begin trial of inspector who killed Musician “Igbo Jah”
Outrage, tension in Enugu over killing of "Igbo Jah"
The Police Command in Enugu State has begun orderly room trial of Inspector, Joseph Ozonwanji, allegedly involved in the murder of Enugu-based musician, Chikezie Nwamba, popularly known as “Igbo-Jah”.
The Command’s Spokesman, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, in a statement on Sunday in Enugu, said that the orderly room trial followed the Command’s Criminal Investigation Department conclusion of investigation into the incident.
Ndukwe said that “the detention and investigation of Ozonwanji happened shortly after his alleged shooting of the musician on Friday, Oct. 25, within the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad Headquarters, Enugu.
“Consequently, the orderly room trial of the implicated Ozonwanji has commenced and the trial will facilitate the next course of action in accordance with the Nigeria Police Force’s disciplinary procedures.
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“The state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, has ordered the immediate redeployment of the Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, SP Ekeleme Chidobe, to allow for a comprehensive review of the Squad’s operations.
“The commissioner reaffirms his commitment to ensuring that justice is done in the case and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism among all police officers in the state.
“The state police boss call on the citizenry to continue to keep faith and support the police, especially in bringing this case to a justifiable conclusion,” he said.
Outrage, tension in Enugu over killing of “Igbo Jah”
There has been palpable tension and outrage in Enugu, the Coal City capital, following the killing of a popular Ogene musician, Igbo Jah, by a Police officer attached to the Anti-Cult Unit of the Enugu State Police Command.
Angry youths were reported to have taken to the streets, setting bonfires at the Obiagu and Asata areas of the metropolis in protest.
Sources said the musician attended an event at the anti-cult office, during which a policeman shot him.
Igbo Jah was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was confirmed dead on arrival.
The Enugu State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday by its spokesman, DSP Daniel Ndukwe.
“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.”
Ndukwe added that “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.”
