Nigerian musician shot dead by police operative

Maureen Edozie in Enugu

A Nigerian musician, Okezie Mba, popularly called Igbo-Jah has been shot dead by a police inspector during an event on Friday at the anti-cult unit of the Enugu State Police Command, while as at the time of filing this report remains of deceased had been deposited in the morgue.

Penpushing reports source said at the event some policemen began shooting indiscriminately, adding that gunshot released by the inspector from his rifle for reasons yet to be ascertained, hit the musician and killed him, adding that the victim died while been rushed to the hospital

The Enugu State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, who confirmed he sad development in a statement said the operative has been arrested and detained for the murder of the musician.

“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 (Mba) 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.”

Penpushing further reports that the police spokesperson who is a deputy superintendent of police, did not mention the name of the male inspector, but said he was serving in the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad of the police in Enugu State.

“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’, he wrote

The Command Public Relations Officer said the Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, has ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to investigate the incident.

Penpushing also reports that the statement explained that Uzuegbu directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police to equally ensure appropriate disciplinary actions against the police inspector, and commiserated with the family of the popular Ogene musician and described his death as unfortunate and unacceptable.

The police boss assured that the police inspector and anyone else found culpable would be sanctioned in line with the law to serve as a deterrent, and urged family members and friends of the slain musician to remain calm and cooperate with the police to ensure that justice is served.

Penpushing reports that Governor Peter Mbah has, however, ordered an investigation into the killing, describing the deceased as of one of the Enugu and Igbo talents, who continued to popularise the Igbo culture through their Ogene music.

‘Untimely death of the musician under a very sad circumstance was a huge loss to Igbos and Enugu State. He was one of the Enugu and Igbo talents, who continued to popularise the Igbo culture through their Ogene music. I have been briefed by the police and I have equally ordered a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure justice for him, his family, and fans’, he said

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