…CP Kanayo Orders Thorough Investigation And Disciplinary Action Against The Police Officer
A popular Ogene artist in Enugu, Igbo Jah, has been allegedly shot dead by a Police Inspector attached to the Anti-Cult Unit of the Enugu State Police Command at the unit’s office in Enugu.
Those close to the artist said he had attended an event at the anti-cult office when policemen at the station started shooting indiscriminately and the artist was hit by bullet in the process. The artist was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was confirmed dead on arrival.
An eyewitness said: “They went for an event at anti-cult office in Enugu unfortunately for him, when those ndi Eke started shooting and some bullets touch him before they could rush him to the hospital he died on the way.”
A friend of the artist who did not want to be identified said that he had been with him two days ago at Umuchigbo Community where they had watched masquerade display together.
“Death is inevitable. We all watched masquerade together for Umuchigbo on Thursday. Onye ma mgbe oji abulu ya? (Who knows when it’s one’s own time to die?)”
Another friend said: “Jeez Naso them take waste my man. Chai Igbojaa. Aka n’aku ogene (the talented one who plays ogene). Nawa o. Very hard to say RIP Onyem (my person).”
The Police has however, confirmed the incident. The state police spokesman, Daniel Ndukwe, who issued a statement on the tragic occurrence, said that the commissioner of police, Kanayo Uzuegbu has ordered a thorough investigation of the incident.
Meanwhile the Enugu State police command has confirmed the killing of an Enugu-born Ogene musician, Okezie Chikezie Mba popularly known as Igbo Jah by a police inspector, who it said, has already been arrested and detained.
In a statement by the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. 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 CP, however, consoled the victim’s family, friends and associates, describing the incident as unacceptable, and assured that the police officer and anyone found culpable would be sanctioned.
The statement reads: “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.
“CP Kanayo urges everyone connected to the victim to remain calm and cooperate with the police to ensure that justice is served.”
