Police Inspector Ozonwanji Joseph has been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force and remanded in prison following his involvement in the murder of the well-known Ogene musician, Chikezie Okezie Nwamba.
The incident, which occurred last Friday, sparked widespread public outrage and led to swift action by the authorities.
The Enugu State Police Command conducted an orderly room trial where Inspector Joseph was found culpable of the crime.
As a result, he received the maximum penalty of dismissal from the force, as confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe.
"The Inspector was found culpable and received the maximum penalty of dismissal, followed by court prosecution in line with the Police Act and Regulations 2020," stated DSP Ndukwe.
Following his dismissal, Joseph was arraigned at the Enugu East Magistrate Court on October 28, 2024, for the offence of murder.
The Chief Magistrate ordered his remand at the Enugu Correctional Custodial Centre and directed that the case file be sent to the Attorney General of Enugu State for further judicial action. The trial is set to continue on November 12.
Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 13, approved the recommendations for Joseph's dismissal and prosecution, underscoring the police force's commitment to accountability.
Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, extended his condolences to the family and friends of the deceased musician, emphasizing, "The Nigeria Police Force remains a disciplined government agency, assuring that under my leadership, the Command will continue to hold all erring officers accountable for their actions."
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