Human Rights Lawyer Inibehe Effiong Condemns Igbo Jah’s Killing, Demands Action Against Killer Police

Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has voiced strong condemnation of the killing of musician Igbo Jah by Nigerian police officers in Enugu.

In response to a post on X about the tragic killing of Igbo Jah, the Lawyer invoked Prof. Okey Ndibe’s assertion that Nigerian lives are undervalued. Effiong decried the persistent issue of police brutality in the country, asking when the cycle of violence would be broken.

He also highlighted the need for systemic change and accountability within Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies, emphasizing that such tragedies cannot be allowed to continue unchecked.

“What is the value of a Nigerian life? Prof. Okey Ndibe said years ago that it is worth less than a coin.

“The same institution that is supposed to protect lives and properties is on a mission to kill and steal.When will enough be enough? We cannot continue to indulge this madness.”, he wrote.

Effiong described Igbo Jah as a beloved entertainer whose life was tragically cut short by the excessive force of trigger-happy police officers. He emphasized the need for justice, calling for the identification, dismissal, and murder charges against those responsible for the senseless killing.

“Igbo Jah was an entertainer, he was shot several times and killed brutally by some murderous and trigger happy policemen.

“He deserves justice, those who killed him must be identified, dismissed and charged for murder.”, he added.

“Igbo Jah” identified as Okezie Chikezie Mba, was reportedly shot dead by operatives of the Nigerian Police Force attached to anti-cult unit of the Enugu State Police Command. The news broke out on Saturday morning.

This is coming barely two weeks some policemen on stop-and-search operations allegedly shot and killed one Smith Odinaka along the Enugu-Port-Harcourt Expressway, while on steering.

An X user Naija Trend which shared the video of lifeless body of the deceased in a pool of blood on his handle, said he was killed while performing in Enugu in what had been tagged, “accidental discharge”.

It wrote: “Popular Ogene Musician ‘Igbo Jah’ Has Tragically Passed After Being Shot By Anti-cult Police Officer In What Has Been Described As An ‘Accidental Discharge’ While Performing In Enugu.”

Meanwhile, the Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the unfortunate incident, noting that the police officer involved had been arrested and detained.

The Command spokesman, Daniel Ndukwe who confirmed the incident to SaharaReporters on Saturday, said that the Commissioner of Police Kanayo Uzuegbu had consoled and assured family and friends of the late musician that the police officer and anyone else found culpable will be appropriately sanctioned to serve as a deterrent.

He said: “A male Police Inspector serving in the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad of the Enugu State Police Command has been arrested and detained for the alleged murder of a male traditional Ogene musician, Okezie Chikezie Mba, popularly known as Igbo-Jah. The incident occurred around 8:10 p.m. on October 25, 2024, at the Tactical Squad’s Headquarters.

“The musician was reportedly leaving the Squad’s Headquarters after a friendly visit when, for reasons yet to be ascertained, the police officer fired his rifle, hitting the victim. He was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead by the attending doctor. His body has been deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

“The Commissioner of Police, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, has ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State CID to conduct a full-scale investigation that will facilitate prompt and appropriate disciplinary actions against the police officer.

“The Commissioner empathises and consoles the victim’s family, friends, and associates, describing the unfortunate incident as unacceptable. He assures that the police officer and anyone else found culpable will be sanctioned in line with the law to serve as a deterrent.

“CP Kanayo urges everyone connected to the victim to remain calm and cooperate with the police to ensure that justice is served.”

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