An Enugu State Police Inspector, Joseph Ozonwanji, previously with the Anti-Cultism Police Squad, has been dismissed and remanded in prison on charges of murder following the fatal shooting of popular Igbo musician Okezie Nwamba, known as Igbo-Jah.
Ozonwanji faced arraignment on Monday at the Enugu East Magistrate Court on a single count of murder. Magistrate Ngozi Edeani presided over the session, during which Ozonwanji was accused of shooting Nwamba with an AK-47 rifle.
The charge falls under Section 274(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State, Nigeria, 2024, which addresses unlawful killing.
The presiding magistrate ordered that the case file be forwarded to the Department of Public Prosecutions for review and directed that the accused be held in the Enugu Maximum Correctional Centre.
This case follows the police officer’s dismissal, sanctioned after an internal disciplinary trial. Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 13, Godwin Aghaulor, approved the dismissal, reinforcing the authorities’ stance on accountability within the force.
SP Justice Attah and Emmanuel Ajogwu are leading the prosecution on behalf of the Enugu State Police Command.
Speaking to reporters after the court session, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, Enugu State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, emphasized the importance of ensuring justice. “This is a case that we are fully committed to pursuing,” Ndukwe said.
“When lives are lost, especially at the hands of those entrusted with their protection, it is essential that the law takes its course. The actions taken today reflect our dedication to that principle.”
Ndukwe further noted that the Chief Magistrate’s decision to forward the case to the state’s Attorney General demonstrates the commitment of both the Enugu State Government and the police force to ensure accountability.
“Policemen are duty-bound to safeguard lives. Misuse of a firearm is an individual’s liability, and the law will address it accordingly,” he stated.
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, also commented on the next steps, indicating that his office would act swiftly upon
