From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
A popular Ogene music artist in Enugu, Igbo Jah, has been allegedly shot dead by policemen attached to the Anti-cult unit of the Enugu State Police Command at the unit’s office in Enugu.
Those close to the artist said he had attended an event at the police anti-cult office when policemen at the station started shooting indiscriminately, leading to the artist being hit in the process.
However, relatives of the deceased alleged that four bullet holes were found on his body, indicating that what happened might not be an accident after all.
Aggrieved residents of Enugu and relatives of the musician staged heavy protest yesterday following the incident.
It was learnt that hundreds of aggrieved residents marched to the police anti-cult headquarters and even attempted to burn down the facility, but were resisted by police men on ground.
However the protesters blocked roads in some parts of the state capital including Onu Asata, burning tires and chanting angry songs.
Soon after the artist was shot, he was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was confirmed dead.
An eyewitness said: “They went for an event at anti-cult office Enugu. But unfortunately for him, when Ndi Eke started shooting, some bullets hit him; he died on the way before they could reach the hospital.”
A friend of the artist who did not want to be identified recalled he was with him (since) two days ago at Umuchigbo community where they watched masquerade display together.
“Death is inevitable. We all watched masquerade together for Umuchigbo on Thursday. Onye ma mgbe o ji abulu ya?”
Another friend said: “Jeez Naso them take waste my man. Chai, Igbojaa. Aka n’aku ogene. Nawa o. Very hard to say RIP Onyem!”
Meanwhile, Enugu State Police Command says it has arrested and detained the police Inspector responsible for the brutal killing of the musician.
According to the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, 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.
In a statement, Ndukwe said: “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. The incident occurred around 8:10 p.m. on October 25, 2024, at the Tactical Squad’s Headquarters.
“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.”
He further said that the state Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, has ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State CID to conduct a full-scale investigation that will facilitate prompt and appropriate disciplinary actions against the police officer.
“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.
“CP Kanayo urges everyone connected to the victim to remain calm and cooperate with the police to ensure that justice is served,” he said.
