Tension has erupted in Enugu following the tragic shooting of popular Ogene musician, Igbo Jah, whose real name was Okezie Chikezie Mba.
The victim was reportedly killed on Friday night of October 25, 2024, when a police officer from the Anti-Cult Unit of the Enugu State Police Command opened fire, leading to widespread outrage among the local community.
Reports indicated that following the musician’s death, angry youths took to the streets, setting bonfires in the Obiagu and Asata neighborhoods to express their anger and frustration over the incident.
Witnesses claimed that Igbo Jah had been at an event at the Anti-Cult office before the shooting occurred.
In a statement from the Enugu State Police Command, the tragic incident unfolded around 8:10 p.m. as the musician was leaving the Tactical Squad’s Headquarters.
The police officer, whose identity has not been disclosed, fired his weapon for reasons that remain unclear, striking Igbo Jah.
He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, but sadly, he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Spokesman for the State Police Comman, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed that the police inspector involved in the incident has been arrested and is currently detained.
He stated, “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.”
In his statement, Ndukwe added, “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 Enugu State Police Commissioner, Kanayo Uzuegbu, has taken a strong stance on the matter, emphasizing the need for accountability.
He ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to carry out a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Ndukwe quoted Uzuegbu, “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.”
The Commissioner has called for calm among those connected to the victim, urging them to cooperate with the police to ensure justice is served.
The community remains on edge as they await the outcome of the investigation, demanding accountability for the loss of their beloved musician.
