The people of Enugu are in mourning, grappling with shock, sorrow, and anger following the tragic and unnecessary death of beloved musician Okezie Mba, widely known as Igbo Jah. A celebrated figure in the state’s music community, Igbo Jah was more than just a musician; he was a cultural ambassador, an advocate of Igbo identity, and a symbol of hope and resilience for many. Through his Ogene music, Igbo-Jah brought pride and honor not only to Enugu State but to the entire Igbo people. His songs, steeped in rich Igbo cultural heritage, celebrated traditions and lifted the spirit of his community. Yet, on October 25, 2024, his life was tragically cut short in an unprovoked act of violence at the hands of Inspector Ozonwanji Joseph of the Enugu police anti-cultism squad. As Enugu reels from this tremendous loss, calls for justice have intensified, with many urging the government not only to hold his killer accountable but to honor Igbo-Jah’s memory with the dignity and respect he deserves.
A Shocking Act of Brutality
According to verified reports, Igbo Jah was fatally shot on Friday evening while leaving a friendly visit to the anti-cultism tactical squad’s headquarters in Enugu. Witnesses say he was walking away from the squad’s building when Inspector Joseph, in a shocking and unprovoked display of violence, fired upon him. In one tragic moment, Igbo Jah, a man celebrated for his contributions to Enugu’s rich musical landscape, was silenced forever. His fans, friends, and family, who expected to hear his voice uplift the community, now face the unthinkable reality that his life was stolen without cause.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage across Enugu and beyond. The community is demanding justice not only because Igbo Jah was a public figure but because his death epitomizes a terrifying and unacceptable trend of unchecked violence within certain elements of the Nigerian Police Force. The circumstances surrounding his killing — a lone citizen gunned down unprovoked — have stoked deep fears in the hearts of ordinary people, who now question whether they are truly safe from those meant to protect them.
Calls for Accountability
The response from the Enugu police command has been swift. Inspector Joseph was dismissed after an internal trial found him culpable of the murder, and he was subsequently charged with the crime. In a statement, Daniel Ndukwe, spokesperson for the Enugu police command, confirmed that the assistant inspector-general of police for Zone 13, which covers Anambra and Enugu, approved Joseph’s dismissal and prosecution. By October 28, Inspector Joseph had been arraigned in the Enugu East Magistrate Court on charges of murder, with Magistrate Ngozi Edeani ordering his detention at the Enugu correctional center and the case file transferred to the attorney general of the state.
While the swiftness of the police response is commendable, the people of Enugu are not yet appeased. Dismissing the inspector and putting him on trial is a critical first step, but it is not enough to address the collective trauma inflicted by this senseless loss. Igbo Jah was a prominent and cherished figure whose presence extended far beyond music. Through his Ogene songs, he amplified the voice and culture of the Igbo people, reminding the younger generations of their roots, values, and heritage. His murder calls for more than just accountability; it demands that Enugu honor his legacy in a way that ensures his memory endures.
A Call for a State Burial
Igbo Jah deserves more than a typical farewell. As a son of Enugu and a cultural icon for the Igbo community at large, it is only fitting that he be accorded a state burial — a recognition befitting a man of his influence and impact. A state burial would not only acknowledge Igbo-Jah’s contributions to Enugu’s cultural and artistic landscape but would serve as a powerful statement by the government, affirming that the life of every citizen matters and that no act of violence against them will be tolerated or forgotten.
By honoring Igbo Jah with a state burial, the Enugu government would be sending a message of solidarity to a grieving public. It would show that the government values and remembers the contributions of those who work to elevate Enugu’s profile on a national and even international level. Igbo Jah’s Ogene music, rich in Igbo tradition and heritage, spoke of resilience, history, and pride — values that are not just Enugu’s but are cherished across the Igbo community. A state burial would be a recognition not only of his contributions to Enugu but of the pride he brought to all Igbo people.
Read also: UK’s Legacy of Looting in Africa: A Lasting Impact
Honoring His Legacy: More Than a Burial
However, the need for justice for Igbo Jah’s death extends beyond laying him to rest with honor. The very system that allowed this tragedy to occur must be examined and reformed. Igbo-Jah’s life and death have revealed a deep need for accountability within the police force, particularly among units entrusted with protecting citizens from violence and unlawful activities. The people of Enugu are demanding transparency in the investigation and prosecution of Inspector Joseph, as well as systemic reforms to prevent future incidents.
Igbo Jah’s legacy deserves to be commemorated through efforts that protect the community he loved. This tragedy should compel both the Enugu government and the Inspector General of Police to review and strengthen protocols within the police force, especially within tactical squads known to sometimes operate with unchecked authority. Initiatives such as community-police dialogues, enhanced officer training on public engagement, and more stringent oversight of police conduct are necessary steps to restore public confidence.
Enugu’s Role in Setting a Precedent
Igbo Jah’s murder has reverberated throughout Nigeria, shedding light on the all-too-common issue of police brutality in the country. By pursuing justice with transparency, accountability, and honor, the Enugu State Government has an opportunity to set a powerful precedent for other states grappling with similar issues. Honoring Igbo Jah with a state burial would show the world that Enugu values its citizens and will not stand by in the face of unwarranted violence.
This tragedy is a moment of reckoning for Enugu and Nigeria at large. The public’s call for justice is not simply a reaction to a celebrity’s death; it is a demand for a system that protects the lives and rights of every citizen. It is a call for a society where the value of human life is held above all else. Enugu can lead this charge by turning this moment of sorrow into an enduring commitment to justice, reform, and respect for human dignity.
Justice for Igbo-Jah, Justice for Enugu
In conclusion, as the trial date approaches, the people of Enugu are watching closely, hoping that justice for Igbo-Jah will bring about a shift in how the government and the police view their duty to the public. Igbo-Jah’s legacy — as a musician, an advocate of Igbo identity, and a unifying force within Enugu — deserves to be upheld through action and remembrance.
By honoring Igbo-Jah with a state burial and committing to genuine reforms, Enugu can transform this moment of grief into a legacy of positive change. Justice for Igbo Jah means holding his killer accountable, but it also means that his death will serve as a catalyst for a safer, more just society. As Enugu and Nigeria mourn the loss of Igbo Jah, may his memory inspire a movement toward a better, more humane world where the tragic end he metis never repeated.
