Killing Of Enugu Star Musician: Police Begins Officer’s Orderly Room Trial As Gov Mba Vows Justice

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Enugu State Police authorities have announced the immediate redeployment  of the Officer in charge of the Tactical Squad, SP Ekeleme Chidobe.

The Command informed that it has commenced the orderly room trial of Inspector Ozonwanji Joseph in connection with the shooting and the killing of Enugu popular Ogene Music exponent Okezie Chikezie Nwanmba, popular as Igbo Jah.

The Source reports that the  musician was allegedly gunned down by Inspector Joseph, one of the operatives attached to Tactical Squad during a  personal and friendly visit on Friday night, October 25, to the operational base of Special police Unit in Enugu.

The Police in reaction to the incident which instantly provoked  uproar among Enugu residents promptly constituted a probe panel to unravel the  circumstances surrounding the ugly development.

The State Police Command’s spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, in a statement on Sunday, October 27, 2024 said the panel headed  by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of CID has concluded its findings.

“Consequently, the orderly room trial of the implicated  Inspector has commenced.

“The trial will facilitate the next course of action in accordance with the Nigeria Police Force’s disciplinary procedures.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, has ordered the immediate redeployment of the Officer in Charge of the Tactical Squad SP Ekeleme Chidobe ,to allow for a comprehensive review of the Squad’s operations.

“CP Kanayo reaffirms his commitment to ensuring that justice is done in the case and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism among all police officers in the state.

“He calls on the citizenry to continue to keep the faith and support the police ,especially, in bringing this case to a justifiable conclusion”, part of the police statement reads

Meanwhile ,the Enugu State Government has affirmed its commitment towards ensuring that justice is served in the matter.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, who led a delegation of the State Government on a  condolence/solidarity visit to the family of the fallen music icon on Sunday noted that the killing of any of the State’s citizens remains unacceptable.

The Governor had earlier on Saturday October 26 ,conveyed his sincere sympathy to the bereaved family, vowing that every lawful measures will be explored to ensure that justice prevails.

” We have come on behalf of His Excellency ,Peter Mbah ,to express our heartfelt condolences on the brutal loss of your son , your brother ,and our brother.

The Governor has sent us to share in your profound grief and to assure you  that we will ensure justice is served

The state Government will work with this family every step of the way because enough is enough.

Every single life in Enugu counts and for us to wake up to such a sad news is something that we will never take lightly”  Prof Onyia stated.

Speaking on behalf of the family, the late Ogene musician elder sibling Chief Joseph Mba ,while appreciating the concern of the Government ,and the visit ,solicited its assistance in the welfare and education of the children left behind by the music star.

” We are also counting on the Government to help in the welfare and education of his children and family- two boys ,one. girl and of course his wife” Chief Mba said.