Police Inspector Joseph Ozonwanji, formerly of the Anti-Cultism Police Squad in Enugu State, has been arraigned and remanded in prison for the alleged murder of Igbo ogene musician Okezie Nwamba, popularly known as Igbo-Jah.
The arraignment took place on Monday at the Enugu East Magistrate Court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Ngozi Edeani.
Ozonwanji was charged with murder following an incident on October 25, 2024, where he allegedly shot Nwamba with an AK-47 rifle at the Anti-Cultism Police Squad base in Enugu.
This charge, detailed in court under CME/614/2024, accuses Ozonwanji of “unlawfully killing one Okezie Chikezie Nwamba by firing him with an AK47 Riffle,” an offense punishable under Section 274(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol: II, Revised Laws of Enugu State, 2024.
The officer’s dismissal followed an orderly room trial, approved by Assistant Inspector General of Police Godwin Aghaulor, who oversees Zone 13.
The case is being prosecuted by Enugu State Command Officer SP Justice Attah and Emmanuel Ajogwu.
After the charge was read in his preferred language, Magistrate Edeani ordered the case file sent to the Department of Public Prosecution for legal advice and remanded Ozonwanji at the Enugu Maximum Correctional Centre.
Briefing reporters after the arraignment, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, Police Public Relations Officer for Enugu State Command, stated, “It is important to inform our people that the Chief Magistrate has listened to the charge brought against the dismissed police officer and has asked that the case file be transmitted to the Attorney General of Enugu State to proceed from there and advise accordingly for the next line of action.”
Ndukwe emphasized the commitment of the Enugu State Government and police command to seek justice in this case.
“This is one trial we want to see happen. We are talking about a human life. Policemen generally have that responsibility to protect lives, but if, for whatever reason, any police officer misuses his firearm, the liability is on the person,” he added.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, confirmed his office would review the case file and “act expeditiously” to ensure justice is served.
