THE Enugu State Police Command says the orderly room trial of Police Inspector Ozonwanji Joseph, implicated in the murder of Ogene musician Chikezie Okezie Nwamba (popularly known as Igbo-Jah), has been concluded.
A statement released by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, says 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, 28 October 2024, arraigned at the Enugu East Magistrate Court for the offence of murder.
“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 office of the Attorney-General of Enugu State for further action. The trial was adjourned to 12 November 2024.” the statement read
Ndukwe said the state Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, 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.
CP Kanayo reemphasized that the Nigeria Police Force remains a disciplined government agency, assuring that under his leadership, the Command will continue to hold all erring officers accountable for their actions.
Eighteen-Eleven Media reports that Igbo-Jah was shot on 25 October 2024 while departing the premises of Enugu State Police headquarters after a friendly visit. Details surrounding the shooting remain unclear, but it is alleged that Inspector Joseph discharged his rifle, hitting Mba.Following the shooting, Mba was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead by medical staffers. His body has since been moved to the morgue for preservation and autopsy.
Eighteen-Eleven Media