Following the controversial Igbo Jah murder case, police have taken action against Officer Ozonwanji, dismissing him from duty and filing charges. This development raises important questions about law enforcement conduct.
On Monday, the Nigeria Police brought charges against Police Inspector Joseph Ozonwanji in a Chief Magistrate’s Court. Formerly part of the Anti-Cultism Police Squad in Enugu, he is accused of murdering Igbo ogene musician Okezie Mba, also known as Igbo-Jah, over the weekend.
He was arraigned following an orderly room trial and approval for his dismissal, along with specific instructions from AIG Godwin Aghaulor, the Assistant Inspector General of Police overseeing Zone 13.
The police prosecution was headed by SP Justice Attah, the Officer-in-Charge of the Enugu State Police Command, along with Emmanuel Ajogwu.
The charge labeled CME/614/2024 states: “On October 25th, 2024, at approximately 8:10 PM at the Anti-Cultism Police Squad located in Goshen Estate Enugu within the Enugu North Magisterial District, you, Ozonwanji Joseph (male), unlawfully caused the death of Okezie Chikezie Nwamba (male) by using an AK47 rifle to shoot him. This act constitutes a violation punishable under Section 274(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria.”
Subsequently, Chief Administrative Magistrate Ngozi Edeani of Enugu East Magistrate Court 1 directed that the case file be sent to the State’s Attorney-General and ordered that the suspect be held at the Enugu Correctional Centre.
After the arraignment, Enugu State Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, informed reporters that charging the accused with murder aligns with the commitment of both the Enugu State Government and police to ensure justice is served in this case.
We must inform everyone that the Chief Magistrate has reviewed the case against the dismissed police officer and requested that the file be forwarded to the Attorney General of Enugu State. The Attorney General will then provide guidance on how to proceed further.
“We are eager for this trial to proceed because it involves a human life. Police officers have the duty to protect lives, but if any officer misuses their firearm, they must be held accountable. This is precisely what occurred today. The Enugu State Government and the state’s police command have taken every possible step to ensure justice is served in this case,” Ndukwe stated.
Addressing the issue, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, stated that his office anticipates receiving the file and will act promptly upon its arrival.
“His Excellency is deeply committed to seeing this matter through to its conclusion, ensuring justice for all parties involved. I’ve been personally instructed by him, as the Attorney General, to lead the prosecution of this case. This highlights how important he considers it. I will follow his directive and pursue the prosecution with diligence and speed,” he assured.
In the meantime, Governor Peter Mbah has declared that he will provide scholarships up to university level for the three children of the late musician and is also overseeing his ailing wife’s healthcare.
The announcement was made by Mrs. Ngozi Enih, the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, during a Monday visit to the home of the deceased alongside Dame Ugochi Madueke, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, and Hon. Ibenaku Onoh, Chairman of Enugu North LGA.
The Governor, in his generosity, has granted scholarships to the children up through university. Additionally, the state will be responsible for Mrs. Igbo-Jah’s wellbeing moving forward.
This is a tragedy for everyone who loves Enugu State and its residents. The Enugu state government is fully engaged with the situation and will ensure that justice is served.
She stated, “Joining me are the children of the late Igbo-Jah. The governor has assured them that their needs will be taken care of from now through university, including their overall welfare.”
