Court remands police inspector for alleged murder of Enugu musician

A Magistrate Court in Enugu, presided over by Ngozi Edeani, has remanded Police Inspector Joseph Ozonwanji in custody for the alleged murder of popular Igbo Ogene musician Okezie Mba, known as “Igbo-Jah.”

The incident, which occurred over the weekend at the premises of the Anti-Cult Police Squad, has caused an uproar in Enugu State.

The tragic event unfolded when Mba visited the police squad’s premises in what was described as a friendly visit. Inspector Ozonwanji allegedly shot him without provocation, causing injuries that led to Mba’s death before he could receive medical attention.

Following the incident, the Nigerian Police promptly arrested Ozonwanji and detained him. His arraignment for murder took place yesterday after an orderly room trial, which concluded with his dismissal from the police force.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 13, AIG Godwin Aghaulor, approved his dismissal and subsequent arraignment.

The prosecution, led by SP Justice Attah and Emmanuel Ajogwu from Enugu State Police Command, presented the charges against Ozonwanji. The charge, marked CME/614/2024, stated: “That you, Ozonwanji Joseph ‘m’, on the 25th day of October 2024 at about 2010 hrs at the Anti-Cultism Police Squad, Goshen Estate, Enugu, in the Enugu North Magisterial District, did unlawfully kill one Okezie Chikezie Nwamba ‘m’ by shooting him with an AK-47 rifle, resulting in his death, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 274(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2024.”

Chief Administrative Magistrate Ngozi Edeani ordered that the case file be transferred to the Attorney-General of Enugu State for further action and remanded Ozonwanji at the Enugu Correctional Centre.

Speaking to journalists after the court session, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Enugu State Command, Daniel Ndukwe, emphasised the police and state government’s commitment to ensuring justice in the case.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kingsley Udeh, affirmed his office’s readiness to handle the case promptly. “This is a matter of great importance to His Excellency, and he is committed to seeing it through to ensure justice is served. I have been instructed to personally prosecute this case, highlighting the significance placed on it. We will pursue the prosecution diligently and without delay,” Udeh assured.

Meanwhile, Governor Peter Mbah has announced a scholarship for the three children of the deceased musician, covering their education up to the university level. Additionally, he has pledged to support the health and welfare of Mba’s ailing wife.

The Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Mrs Ngozi Enih, made the announcement during a visit to the family home, accompanied by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Maadueke, and the Chairman of Enugu North Local Council, Ibenaku Onoh. “The Governor has graciously awarded scholarships to the children and committed to supporting Mrs. Igbo-Jah’s welfare. This is a tragic loss for Enugu State, and the government is committed to ensuring justice is served,” Enih said.