Kehinde Fajobi
Enugu residents rallied en masse on Saturday to protest the killing of well-known Ogene musician, Chikezie Mba, popularly known as Igbo-Jah, who was fatally shot by Police Inspector Ozonwanji Joseph.
The incident occurred at the Anti-Cult Tactical Squad headquarters in Enugu on Friday evening during what was reported as a friendly visit.
Outraged by Mba’s death, hundreds of residents gathered outside the anti-cult office, some attempting to set it ablaze. The protests escalated as police used teargas to disperse the crowds, and demonstrators blocked roads, setting up bonfires and singing protest songs in anger and grief.
Governor Peter Mbah expressed condolences and ordered a full investigation.
Addressing the public through social media he said: “I received with a deep sense of grief the untimely death of Okezie Mba, popularly known as Igbo-Jah, under a very sad circumstance. It is a huge loss for us as Ndigbo in general and Ndi Enugu in particular. He was one of the Enugu and Igbo talents, who continued to popularise the Igbo culture through their ogene music.”
Mbah assured the community, “I have been briefed by the police and have equally ordered a thorough investigation to ensure justice for him, his family, and fans around the world. On behalf of Ndi Enugu, I also send my heartfelt condolences to his family and fans. May God grant his soul eternal repose.”
Enugu State Police spokesperson Daniel Ndukwe confirmed that Inspector Joseph has been detained and provided details of the incident: “A male police inspector serving in the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad of the Enugu State police command has been arrested and detained over 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 State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a full-scale inquiry, stating that appropriate disciplinary actions will follow based on the findings.