The Enugu State Government has condemned the fatal shooting of Ogene musician, Okezie Mba, popularly known as Igbo-Jah.
A government delegation led by Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Victor Udeh, paid a condolence visit to Igbo-Jah’s family on Sunday.
The delegation reiterated the state’s commitment to ensuring justice is served and emphasized the sanctity of human life in Enugu.
Governor Peter Mbah had previously ordered a full investigation into Igbo-Jah’s death, according to Independent.
Igbo-Jah was fatally shot after visiting the Ant-Cultism Tactical Squad facility. The Enugu State Police Command described the visit as friendly. The police have arrested Inspector Ozonwanji Joseph, the suspected killer cop, and released his photographs.
The family of the deceased appreciated Governor Mbah’s swift response and determination to ensure justice prevails. They appealed for government support in caring for Igbo-Jah’s children and family.
The Enugu State Police assured that Inspector Ozonwanji Joseph will face the full weight of the law upon conclusion of the investigation. This swift action demonstrates the state’s commitment to accountability and justice.
The condolence visit and investigation underscore the Enugu State Government’s resolve to protect its citizens and ensure that justice is served.
Addressing the elders of the family and the deceased’s young children, Prof. Onyia said, “We have come as a delegation from His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah to the family to extend our deep condolences on the passing and brutal killing of your son, your brother and our brother. The governor has directed us to come and share in your deep pain and to deliver his message that we are going to make sure that justice is done.
“The state government will work with this family every step of the way because enough is enough. Every single life in Enugu counts, and for us to wake up to such a sad news is something that we will never take lightly.
“We appreciate the emotions because we see what is going on outside, but we want to importantly commend the eldest in the family and the rest of the family for how they have received us well as a government delegation. You have also shown that maturity in working with us.
“To the children, His Excellency is saying take heart. We will ensure that justice is served. That is one thing we can assure the family; we cannot sit down and fold our hands and allow such an incident to go without consequence.
“We are really sorry about your loss, our loss. May God strengthen and bless this family as we go through these difficult times,” the SSG said.
Responding, the family representative and Igbo-Jah’s elder brother, Chief Joseph Mba, said that Governor Mbah’s dispositions since the unfortunate incident underscored the determination to ensure that justice is done.
“I want to appreciate our governor, Dr. Peter Mbah for the way he has responded to this incident and for his determination to ensure that justice prevails.
“We are also counting on government’s help towards the welfare and education of his children and family – two boys, one girl, and of course, his wife.
“But importantly, we want to thank the governor from the bottom of our hearts for the way he has shown human feeling and leadership on this matter. We have seen his determination to do things differently,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Enugu State Police had on Saturday announced the arrest of the suspected killer cop, Inspector Ozonwanji Joseph and also released his photographs, assuring that “he will be made to face the full weight of the law upon the conclusion of the investigation.”
