Enugu State Police Command says it has arrested and detained a Police Inspector responsible for the brutal killing of a popular ogene musician, Okezie Chikezie Mba a.k.a Igbo-Jah, in Enugu on Friday night.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed that the popular Ogene musician was leaving the Squad’s Headquarters after a friendly visit when the police officer fired his rifle, leading to his death.
Relatives of the deceased, however claimed that four bullet holes were found on his body, indicating that the police inspector may not have fired just one shot at the deceased.
An eyewitness said, “They went for an event at anti cult office Enugu unfortunately for him, when those ndi Eke started shooting and some bullet’s touch him before they could rush him to hospital he died on the way.”
A friend of the artist who did not want to be identified said that he had been with him two days ago at Umuchigbo community where they had watched masquerade display together.
“Death is inevitable. We all watched masquerade together for umuchigbo on Thursday. Onye ma mgbe oji abulu ya?”
Another friend said, “Jeez Naso them take waste my man. Chai Igbojaa. Aka n’aku ogene. Nawa o. Very had to say RIP Onyem.”
Read full statement issued by the Enugu Police Command:, “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.”
He further said that the state 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,” he said.
