By Abiola Olawale
Police Inspector Joseph Ozonwanji, who was allegedly fingered in the murder of Ogene musician Chikezie Okezie Nwamba, popularly known as Igbo-Jah, has been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force.
This was confirmed in a press statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Police Command, DSP Daniel Ndukwe.
Ndukwe, in the press statement, revealed that Ozonwanji was found culpable and summarily dismissed.
He also confirmed that the dismissed officer has been arraigned at the Enugu East Magistrate Court for the offence of alleged murder.
The statement reads in part: “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.”
It would be recalled that Ozonwanji was fingered to have allegedly shot Igbo-Jah
The musician was shot at the Anti-Cult Unit of the Enugu State Police Command on Friday.
He attended an event at the police facility when operatives began shooting indiscriminately.
He was then hit by some bullets and consequently died on the way to a hospital
