A Nigerian police inspector has shot dead a popular Ogene musician, Okezie Mba, otherwise known as Igbo-Jah in Enugu State, Nigeria’s south-east.
According to reports, Igbo-Jah had attended an event on Friday at the anti-cult unit of the Enugu State Police Command when some police operatives began shooting indiscriminately.
“Igbo-Jah was then hit by a bullet. They tried rushing him to a nearby hospital, but he died on the way,” a source said.
Viral videos on social media showed bullet holes on the singer’s sides and chest.
Police speak
The police in Enugu State have confirmed the development.
In a statement on Saturday, the police spokesperson in Enugu State, Daniel Ndukwe, said the operative has been arrested and detained for the murder of the musician.
Ndukwe, a deputy superintendent of police, did not mention the name of the operative.
The spokesperson simply said the operative is a male inspector serving in the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad of the police in Enugu State.
How it happened
“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,” Ndukwe said.
“He (Mba) 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.”
Mr Ndukwe said the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Kanayo Uzuegbu, has ordered the deputy commissioner of police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to investigate the incident.
Mr Uzuegbu asked the deputy commissioner of police to also ensure “appropriate disciplinary actions” against the police inspector.
He commiserated with the family of the musician and described his death as “unfortunate and unacceptable.”
Youths protest, demand justice
The incident sparked outrage in Enugu, with residents of the Obiago community taking to the streets on Saturday to protest against the alleged unjust killing.
In a now-viral video, protesters mounted roadblocks, burned tires, and carried placards demanding justice for Igbo-Jah.
Similarly, the Simon Ekpa-led Biafra Republic Government in-Exile has expressed anger over the killing of the popular Ogene musician.
Ekpa in a tweet on Saturday vowed that Enugu State will be on lockdown on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, to fish out the musician’s killers.
According to him, there should be an end to the incessant killings of Igbo in the state.
“The entire Enugu State will be under lockdown on Tuesday, 29.10.2024. This day will be used to fish out the killers of this innocent man. Enough is enough,” he vowed.
Governor Mbah mourns, orders full investigation
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has mourned the untimely death of Ogene musician, Chikezie Mba, popularly known as Igbo-Jah, ordering a thorough investigation into the sad development.
Mbah took to his social media handles to condole with the deceased’s family, stressing that he had ordered a full investigation into the matter.
“I received with a deep sense of grief the untimely death of Okezie Mba, popularly known as Igbo Jah, under a very sad circumstance. It is a huge loss for us as Ndigbo in general and Ndi Enugu in particular.
“He was one of the Enugu and Igbo talents, who continued to popularise the Igbo culture through their ogene music.
“I have been briefed by the police and I have equally ordered a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure justice for him, his family, and fans around the world.
“On behalf of Ndi Enugu, I also send my heartfelt condolences to his family and fans. May God grant his soul eternal repose,” the governor wrote.