POLICE DISMISS, ARRAIGN KILLER OFFICER, OZONWANJI OVER DEATH OF IGBO JAH
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On Monday, the Nigeria Police charged Police Inspector Joseph Ozonwanji, previously of the Anti-Cultism Police Squad in Enugu, with the murder of Okezie Mba, also known as Igbo-Jah, an Igbo-Gene artist, over the weekend.
His arraignment came after his orderly room trial and the confirmation of his dismissal and arraignment by the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 13, AIG Godwin Aghaulor.
The Enugu State Police Command’s Officer-in-Charge, SP Justice Attah, and Emmanuel Ajogwu lead the police prosecution.
The charge marked CME/614/2024, reads, “That you Ozonwanji Joseph ‘m’ on 25th day of October 2024 at about 2010hrs at anti-Cultism Police Squad, Goshen Estate Enugu in the Enugu North Magisterial District did unlawfully kill one Okezie Chikezie Nwamba ‘m’ by firing him with an AK47 Riffle, which caused his death and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 274(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2024.”
The Chief Administrative Magistrate of Enugu East Magistrate Court 1, Ngozi Edeani, then directed that the case file be submitted to the Attorney-General of the State and that the suspect be held at the Enugu Correctional Centre.
Briefing reporters after the arraignment, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Enugu State Command, stated that the accused’s arraignment for murder was consistent with the Enugu State Government’s and the police’s promise and determination to ensure that justice was served in the case.
“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.
“This is one trial we want to see happen. We are talking about a human life. Police men generally have that responsibility to protect lives, but if, for whatsoever reason, any police officer misuses his firearm, the liability is on the person. That’s 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,’ Ndukwe stated.
Speaking on the matter, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, said his office would expect the file and act expeditiously.
“This is a matter His Excellency is very much determined to see to the very end to ensure that justice is done to everyone involved. I also have his instruction to personally prosecute this matter as the Attorney General. This underscores the import he places on it. And I will do exactly that. We will prosecute diligently and expeditiously,” he assured.
Meanwhile, Governor Peter Mbah has declared that the three children of the slain musician will receive scholarships up to the university level while also taking care of his sick wife.
Mrs. Ngozi Enih, Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, made the announcement during a visit to the deceased’s residence on Monday with Dame Ugochi Madueke, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, and Hon. Ibenaku Onoh, Chairman of Enugu North LGA.
“The Governor, in his magnanimity has awarded scholarships to the children to university level. Secondly, the state is going to take care of the welfare of Mrs Igbo-Jah going forward.
This is a calamity to everybody, who loves Enugu State and who is an indigene of Enugu State. The Enugu state government is on top of the matter and they are going to make sure that justice prevails in this matter.
“With me here are the children of the late Igbo-Jah, and the governor has promised them that he is not only going to take care of them from now till university, but also promised to take care of their welfare,” she stated.
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