The name of the inspector who shot and killed Chikezie Mba, a well-known Nigerian singer, in Enugu State has been made public by the state’s police.
AFRIPOST had reported that Mba was shot and killed by the police inspector on Friday at the Enugu State Police Command’s Anti-Cult Unit.
The musician, who goes by Igbo-Jah, was at an event at the police complex when officers started firing randomly.
He died on his way to a hospital after being hit by bullets shot by the police inspector.
According to the police, the inspector shot his firearm at the singer “for reasons yet to be ascertained” as he was leaving the institution following a “friendly” visit.
At first, the police just declared that the inspector had been detained without mentioning his identity.
Police spokesperson in Enugu State, Daniel Ndukwe, in a statement on Saturday night, identified the inspector as Joseph Ozonwanji.
“He is currently in custody and will be made to face the full weight of the law upon the conclusion of the investigation,” said Mr Ndukwe, a deputy superintendent of police.
He included a picture of the inspector in a prison cell.
Ndukwe added that Kanayo Uzuegbu, the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, paid a visit to the musician’s family later on Saturday while accompanied by Enugu State government representatives.
According to the statement, Uzuegbu offered consolation to the musician’s friends and family upon his passing.
He gave the people of Enugu State his word that justice would be done and that the current inquiry into the issue would be completed quickly.
The commissioner emphasised that the Nigerian Police Force is still a disciplined force, with incompetent officers often facing consequences.
The police chief sent his condolences to all impacted by the musician’s death.
To guarantee justice in this case, he urged Nigerians to trust their police.