- Safiu Kehinde
Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the death of popular traditional Ogene musician, Igbo Jah, after being shot by an officer of the command’s anti-cultism squad.
This was confirmed in a statement shared on X by the Command’s Spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, on Saturday.
According to the statement, the incident occured around 8:10pm following a friendly visit by the late musician to the Tactical Squad’s Headquarters.
While the musician, fully identified as Okezie Chikezie Mba, was leaving the premises, the now arrested and detained officer fired his rifle which hit him.
He was reportedly rushed to a hospital where an attending doctor confirmed him dead.
Meanwhile, Enugu state Police Commissioner, Kanayo Uzuegbu, has according to the statement, ordered full-scale investigation and disciplinary action against the officer.
The Police Commissioner expressed his condolences with the musicican’s family and associates while assuring to bring the police officer and anyone else involved to justice.
The statement read 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, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, psc (+), 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.
“CP Kanayo urges everyone connected to the victim to remain calm and cooperate with the police to ensure that justice is served.”