Policeman Found Guilty of Murder, Dismissed from Force, Facing Court Trial
Inspectors Joseph Ozonwanji, a police officer, has been found guilty of the murder of Ogene musician Chikezie Okezie Nwamba, also known as Igbo-Jah. The incident occurred on October 25, 2024, at the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad headquarters in Enugu State.
Following a summary trial, the Enugu State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed that Joseph received the maximum penalty of dismissal from service, accompanied by a court trial, as stipulated in the Police Act and Regulations of 2020.
The statement from the Police Command reads that they have informed the public that Investigator Ozonwanji Joseph, found guilty of the murder of Ogene musician, Chikezie Okezie Nwamba, has completed the summary trial. The officer was found guilty and faced the maximum penalty of dismissal from service, followed by court prosecution according to the Police Act and Regulations of 2020.
As a result, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 13, covering Anambra and Enugu States, approved the summary trial recommendations to dismiss Joseph from the Nigeria Police Force and prosecute him in court. The officer was therefore dismissed from the Police Force and arraigned on October 28, 2024, at the Enugu East Magistrate Court for murder charges.
The Chief Magistrate ordered the officer’s remand in the Enugu Correctional Custodial Centre and the transmission of the case file to the Attorney General of Enugu State for further legal proceedings. The trial has been adjourned to November 12, 2024.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, extended his condolences to the family, friends, and associates of the deceased and expressed gratitude to the government, people of Enugu State, and the public for their support throughout the case. He reemphasized that the Nigeria Police Force is a disciplined government agency, ensuring that under his leadership, the Command will continue to hold officers accountable for their actions.
