The Enugu State Police Command says a Police Inspector attached to the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad has been arrested and detained for allegedly murdering Okezie Chikezie Mba, a renowned traditional Ogene musician known as Igbo-Jah.
According to DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the Command’s spokesperson, in statement made available to our reporter on Saturday, the incident occurred on Friday, October 25, 2024, at 8:10 p.m. at the Tactical Squad’s Headquarters.
Ndukwe explained that Igbo-Jah was leaving the headquarters of the Tactical Squad unit after a friendly visit when the shooting took place.
While the motive behind the officer’s actions remains unclear, the PPRO said that the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kanayo Uzuegbu, has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.
The statement reads in part, “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.
