Police inspector kills Enugu musician

The Enugu State Police Command has announced the arrest and detention of a Police Inspector serving in the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad of the Command for alleged murder of a male traditional Ogene musician, Okezie Mba, popularly known as Igbo-Jah. 

The Command’s spokesperson DSP Daniel Ndukwe in a statement made available to our Correspondent on Saturday morning, said that the incident occurred around 8:10 p.m. on Friday, October 25, 2024, at the Tactical Squad’s Headquarters when the victim was leaving the Squad’s Headquarters after a friendly visit.

Although, Ndukwe said that the intention of the trigger-happy police officer was yet to be understood, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, had directed a full-scale investigation into the incident. 

Ndukwe said, “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.

“The Commissioner of Police, 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.”

The statement quoted the CP to have urged everyone connected to the victim to remain calm and cooperate with the police to ensure that justice is served.