Cop dismissed, to face prosecution over killing of Enugu musician

A Police Inspector, Ozonwanji Joseph, responsible for the killing of a popular musician based in Enugu, Chikezie Okezie, popularly known as Igbo-Jah, has been dismissed from the force and will face prosecution.

In statement by spokesperson of the Enugu State Police Command, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the decision to dismiss Joseph was reached following an orderly room trial today (Monday, October 28)

“The Enugu State Police Command informs the public that the orderly room trial of Police Inspector Ozonwanji Joseph, implicated in the murder of Ogene musician, Chikezie Okezie Nwamba, has been concluded,” Ndukwe said in the statement.

“The Inspector was found culpable and received the maximum penalty of dismissal, followed by court prosecution in line with the Police Act and Regulations 2020.

“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 spokesperson stated that the Chief Magistrate ordered the remand of the former officer in the Enugu Correctional Custodial Centre and the transmission of the case-file to the Attorney General of Enugu State for further judicial action with the trial adjourned to November 12, 2024.

He said the Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu,, once again, extends his condolences to the family, friends, and associates of the deceased, expressing gratitude to the government, people of Enugu State, and the public for their support throughout the case.

Joseph, who was serving in the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad of the Enugu State Police Command was arrested and detained for killing Okezie.

It was gathered that the incident happened around 8:10 p.m. on October 25, 2024, at the Tactical Squad’s Headquarters.

According to reports the deceased was leaving the Squad’s Headquarters after a visit when, Joseph fired his rifle, hitting the victim. He was quickly rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead by the attending doctor.