Police Inspector Joseph Ozonwanji, once part of Enugu State’s Anti-Cultism Police Squad, is now facing a murder charge for allegedly killing Igbo ogene musician Okezie Nwamba, known popularly as Igbo-Jah.
His arraignment, which took place on Monday, saw him appear before Chief Administrative Magistrate Ngozi Edeani at the Enugu East Magistrate Court.
The charge stems from an incident in which Ozonwanji reportedly shot Nwamba to death with an AK47 rifle.
The charge against Ozonwanji was filed as CME/614/2024, stating that he “unlawfully killed” Nwamba, an action punishable under Section 274(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2024.
In the official charge, it was alleged that on October 25, 2024, at approximately 8:10 pm, while stationed at the Anti-Cultism Police Squad within Goshen Estate, Enugu North Magisterial District, Ozonwanji fatally shot Nwamba. Following his arrest, an orderly room trial conducted by the police found Ozonwanji culpable, leading to his dismissal—a decision approved by Assistant Inspector General of Police Godwin Aghaulor of Zone 13.
Presenting the charge, the prosecution team, led by SP Justice Attah and Emmanuel Ajogwu from the Enugu State Police Command, detailed the events that led to Ozonwanji’s arrest and subsequent arraignment.
Magistrate Edeani, after reading the charge to Ozonwanji in his preferred language, ordered the case file transferred to the Department of Public Prosecution to facilitate further action.
Additionally, she mandated his detention at Enugu Maximum Correctional Centre.
During a post-arraignment briefing, Enugu State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, highlighted the commitment of both the Enugu State Government and the police to ensure justice.
“It is important to inform our people that the Chief Magistrate has listened to the charge brought against the dismissed police officer and has asked that the case file be transmitted to the Attorney General of Enugu State to proceed from there and advise accordingly for the next line of action,” he stated. Stressing the weight of the matter, Ndukwe added, “This is one trial we want to see happen. We are talking about a human life. Policemen generally have that responsibility to protect lives, but if, for whatever reason, any police officer misuses his firearm, the liability is on the person. That is exactly what has happened today. You could see the Enugu State Government and the police command in the state have done everything possible to ensure that justice prevails in this case.”
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, further affirmed that his office would expedite the handling of the case file, signaling the government’s resolve to proceed with the trial swiftly and thoroughly.
