Enugu, Nigeria – Former police inspector Joseph Ozonwanji, previously of the Anti-Cultism Police Squad in Enugu State, has been remanded in custody following his arraignment on murder charges in the killing of popular Ogene musician Okezie Nwamba, also known as Igbo-Jah. Ozonwanji was arraigned on Monday before Her Worship Ngozi Edeani at the Enugu East Magistrate Court.
Ozonwanji, who was dismissed after an internal disciplinary hearing, faces charges related to the alleged use of an AK47 rifle to fatally shoot Nwamba on October 25, 2024. The charge, registered as CME/614/2024, falls under Section 274(1) of the Criminal Code in Enugu State.
The court ordered that the case file be forwarded to the Department of Public Prosecutions for review. Following the arraignment, Enugu Police Command spokesperson DSP Daniel Ndukwe reiterated the government and police’s commitment to ensuring justice. “We are talking about a human life. Policemen are charged with protecting lives, and if an officer misuses their firearm, they bear full responsibility,” Ndukwe said.
Attorney-General Dr. Kingsley Udeh emphasized the government’s commitment to the case, stating that he would personally oversee the prosecution, as directed by Governor Peter Mbah. Governor Mbah also announced scholarships for Nwamba’s three children and pledged to cover medical expenses for Nwamba’s ailing wife.
Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, conveyed the governor’s support to the family, affirming that Enugu State would “ensure that justice prevails in this matter.”
