A friendly visit by renowned traditional Ogene musician Okezie Mba, popularly known as Igbo-Jah to the Nigeria Police Tactical Squad Headquarters, Enugu, on Friday, ended in tears.
It was indeed a black Friday in the city of Enugu.
The musician had stormed the police station on a friendly visit.
However, while leaving the premises after the visit, under unclear circumstances, an inspector, attached to the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, discharged his weapon, fatally wounding the musician.
Mba was taken to the hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival, and his body has since been moved to the mortuary for autopsy.
As we speak, the police inspector has been detained following the tragic incident.
The Incident
The Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kanayo Uzuegbu, has directed a thorough investigation, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police overseeing the State CID, to determine the motives and circumstances of the shooting.
The Commissioner expressed condolences to Mba’s family, friends, and fans, calling the incident unacceptable and promising that disciplinary measures will be applied if culpability is confirmed.
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.”
Full-Scale Investigation
“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.
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“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.”
He further urged all those affected to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities to ensure justice prevails.
Early, protest had erupted in the city as youths stormed the streets to protest the unwarranted killing of Mba.
All eyes are on the police as youths, as well as every other citizen of the state and Nigerians at large continue to demand justice.
