26th October, 2024
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
In a tragic incident, popular Igbo musician Okezie Chikezie Mba, widely known as Igbo-Jah, was shot dead by a police inspector in Enugu, southeast Nigeria on Friday.
The shooting occurred at approximately 8:10 p.m. on Oct. 25, 2024, at the Enugu Police Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad Headquarters.
According to police reports, Igbo-Jah had just concluded a friendly visit to the Tactical Squad when, under still unclear circumstances, a police officer discharged his weapon, fatally wounding the musician.
He was immediately rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead by medical personnel.
His remains have been sent to the mortuary for preservation and an autopsy.
The Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, has condemned the incident, ordering a comprehensive investigation led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The commissioner emphasised that strict disciplinary measures would be taken against the officer involved, adding that anyone else found responsible would face appropriate sanctions.
In a public statement, CP Uzuegbu extended his condolences to the family, friends, and fans of the late musician, calling the shooting an “unacceptable incident” and pledging a transparent investigation to bring justice and prevent similar occurrences.
The Enugu State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, has urged the public to remain calm, stating that the police are committed to seeing justice served in this case.
This incident has sparked widespread grief across Enugu and beyond, with fans and cultural enthusiasts mourning the sudden loss of the celebrated musician, whose unique Ogene sound made him a cherished figure in Igbo music and culture.
