The Police Inspector who allegedly killed Ogene musician, Chikezie Okezie Nwamba has been dismissed from NPF following an internal investigation. The cop, Ozonwanji Joseph is now facing murder charges and has been remanded in prison awaiting further court proceedings.
The incident that led to the musician’s death sparked widespread public outrage. Nwamba, a beloved figure in the Enugu community, was known for his unique contributions to Ogene music, a traditional Igbo music style.
The fatal shooting of the musician last Friday quickly drew criticism from across the community and intensified calls for accountability within the police force.
The Enugu State Police Command responded by conducting an “orderly room trial” — an internal disciplinary process to review the officer’s actions. According to DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the Police Public Relations Officer for Enugu State, the trial confirmed Inspector Joseph’s involvement in the shooting.
He was found guilty of misconduct and immediately dismissed from the force as a result. “The Enugu State Police Command informs the public that the orderly room trial of Police Inspector Ozonwanji Joseph, implicated in the murder of Ogene musician, Chikezie Okezie Nwamba, has been concluded,” DSP Ndukwe stated.
Following his dismissal, Inspector Joseph appeared in court on October 28, 2024. The Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 13, covering both Anambra and Enugu States, approved the recommendations to dismiss and prosecute him.
At his arraignment, the Enugu East Magistrate Court ordered Joseph’s remand in the Enugu Correctional Custodial Centre and directed that the case file be sent to the Attorney General of Enugu State for further action. His next court date is scheduled for November 12, 2024.
The update was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Police Command, DSP Daniel Ndukwe.
He said, “the Enugu State Police Command informs the public that the orderly room trial of Police Inspector Ozonwanji Joseph, implicated in the murder of Ogene musician, Chikezie Okezie Nwamba, has been concluded. The Inspector was found culpable and received the maximum penalty of dismissal, followed by court prosecution in line with the Police Act and Regulations 2020.
“Accordingly, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 13 (covering Anambra and Enugu States’ Commands), approved the orderly trial recommendations to dismiss and prosecute the Inspector in court.
“Hence, he has been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force and was today, October 28, 2024, arraigned at the Enugu East Magistrate Court for the offence of murder.
“The Chief Magistrate ordered the remand of the former officer in the Enugu Correctional Custodial Centre and the transmission of the case-file to the Attorney General of Enugu State for further judicial action. The trial was adjourned to November 12, 2024.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, once again, extends his condolences to the family, friends, and associates of the deceased, expressing gratitude to the government, people of Enugu State, and the public for their support throughout the case.
“CP Kanayo reemphasized that the Nigeria Police Force remains a disciplined government agency, assuring that under his leadership, the Command will continue to hold all erring officers accountable for their actions.”
