The Enugu State Police Command has reported the arrest of a police inspector, a member of the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, on allegations of murdering well-known traditional Ogene musician Okezie Mba, popularly known by his stage name, Igbo-Jah. The incident reportedly occurred on Friday night, October 25, 2024, at approximately 8:10 p.m., outside the Tactical Squad Headquarters in Enugu State.
According to a statement released by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, Mba had been visiting the police squad headquarters on a friendly call. It was as he was departing that the officer unexpectedly fired his weapon, injuring Mba fatally. The musician was rushed immediately to the nearest hospital, but doctors there confirmed that he had already passed away. Mba’s body has since been taken to the mortuary, where it awaits an autopsy.
Details regarding the motive behind the inspector’s actions remain unclear. However, Enugu State’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kanayo Uzuegbu, has launched a full investigation into the circumstances of the shooting. “The 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,” Ndukwe stated in the release.
The commissioner expressed deep sympathy for Mba’s family, friends, and fans, describing the incident as tragic and entirely unacceptable. He reassured the public that those responsible would face appropriate disciplinary action in line with legal provisions, aiming to restore public trust and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Police Command has urged members of the public, especially those close to Mba, to remain calm while the investigation is ongoing. “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,” Ndukwe added in his statement.
Okezie Mba, or Igbo-Jah, was well known across the region for his contributions to traditional Ogene music, a genre with deep roots in Igbo culture.
