Tension has escalated in Enugu, the Coal City capital after a police officer from the Anti-Cult Unit of the Enugu State Police Command allegedly shot and killed popular Ogene musician Igbo Jah.
NewsNGR gathered that angry youths are staging protests by setting bonfires in the Obiagu and Asata areas of the city.
Reports indicate that the incident occurred Friday night when the musician, who had attended an event at the Anti-Cult Unit office, was shot by a police officer as he was leaving. Igbo Jah was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Enugu State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday by spokesperson DSP Daniel Ndukwe. He stated, “A male Police Inspector with the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad has been arrested and detained for allegedly killing Okezie Chikezie Mba, known widely as Igbo Jah.”
The incident reportedly took place around 8:10 p.m. on October 25, 2024, at the Tactical Squad’s Headquarters. Ndukwe explained that, “For reasons yet unknown, the police officer fired his weapon at the musician, who was then taken to the hospital, where he was declared dead. His body is currently in the mortuary awaiting an autopsy.”
Ndukwe added that Commissioner of Police CP Kanayo Uzuegbu has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State CID, to conduct a comprehensive investigation and ensure appropriate disciplinary action against the officer involved.
In his statement, CP Uzuegbu expressed condolences to the victim’s family and friends, describing the incident as deeply regrettable and pledging accountability. He urged calm and cooperation to allow the investigation to proceed, assuring that justice will be served.