- The police said the officer was found culpable and summarily dismissed after a an orderly trial.
One Ozonwanji Joseph, a Police Inspector, has been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force for killing Ogene musician, Chikezie Okezie Nwamba.
Nwamba popularly known as Igbo-Jah was murdered in cold blood after Joseph shot him dead last Friday in Enugu State, sparking outrage.
Joseph, who was serving in the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad of the State police Command murdered Igbo-Jah around 8:10 p.m. at the Tactical Squad’s Headquarters.
The deceased was said to be leaving the Squad’s Headquarters after a courtesy visit when the suspect shot him, killing him instantly.
In a statement on Monday, the police said the officer was found culpable and summarily dismissed after an orderly trial.
According to the statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Police Command, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the killer cop was arraigned before a magistrate court which ordered that he be remanded.
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.”