The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a police inspector from its Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad for allegedly killing a well-known traditional Ogene musician, Okezie Chikezie Mba, popularly known as Igbo-Jah. The incident took place on Friday, October 25, 2024, around 8:10 p.m., at the Tactical Squad’s Headquarters in Enugu State.
According to a statement released by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the tragic event occurred as the musician was leaving the Tactical Squad’s Headquarters following a friendly visit. For reasons still unclear, the police officer reportedly fired his rifle, hitting Igbo-Jah. The musician was rushed to a nearby hospital, but he was pronounced dead by medical staff upon arrival. His body has been transferred to a mortuary for preservation and an autopsy.
Ndukwe explained, “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.”
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The State Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, has taken immediate action in response to the incident. He has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police overseeing the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to carry out a thorough investigation. The goal is to ensure that justice is served swiftly and that appropriate disciplinary measures are taken against the officer involved.
“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,” Ndukwe stated.
Commissioner Uzuegbu also expressed his condolences to the victim’s family, friends, and community, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. He described the incident as “unacceptable” and assured the public that those responsible for the death of Igbo-Jah would be held accountable.
“The Commissioner empathizes 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 added.
The police chief urged everyone connected to the late musician to remain calm and cooperate with the ongoing investigation to ensure that justice is fully served. The incident has sent shockwaves through the Enugu community, as Igbo-Jah was a beloved figure known for his contributions to traditional Ogene music, a genre rooted in Igbo cultural heritage.