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Enugu Police Officer Dismissed and Imprisoned for Killing Popular Musician
By
Jago
A Nigeria Police Inspector, identified as Ozonwanji Joseph, has been dismissed from the force after fatally shooting Chikezie Okezie Nwamba, a well-known Ogene musician.Nwamba, popularly called Igbo-Jah, was killed last Friday in Enugu State when Joseph allegedly shot him, sparking widespread outrage....(CONTINUE READING)
Joseph, who was assigned to the State’s Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, reportedly killed the musician around 8:10 p.m. at the squad’s headquarters.According to reports, Nwamba had just concluded a courtesy visit and was leaving the squad’s premises when Joseph opened fire, killing him instantly.
In a statement released on Monday, the police confirmed that Joseph was found guilty during an internal disciplinary trial and was subsequently dismissed.The Enugu State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, stated that the officer was arraigned in court, where the magistrate ordered his detention.Ndukwe stated, “The Enugu State Police Command wishes to inform the public that Inspector Ozonwanji Joseph’s orderly room trial for the murder of Chikezie Okezie Nwamba has concluded.
The Inspector was found guilty, leading to his dismissal and a subsequent court prosecution, in accordance with the Police Act and Regulations 2020.He added that the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 13, approved Joseph’s dismissal and legal prosecution based on the trial’s recommendations.
As a result, Joseph was dismissed from the force and arraigned at the Enugu East Magistrate Court on October 28, 2024, on charges of murder.The Chief Magistrate ordered Joseph’s detention at the Enugu Correctional Custodial Centre and directed that the case file be sent to the Attorney General of Enugu State for further legal action.
The trial was set to continue on November 12, 2024.Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, extended his condolences to Nwamba’s family, friends, and community, thanking the Enugu State government and public for their support during the case.
CP Kanayo reaffirmed that the Nigeria Police Force maintains strict discipline, adding that, under his leadership, the Command will ensure all officers are held accountable for their actions.
