The Police in Enugu State have arraigned Inspector Ozonwanji Joseph who allegedly killed an Ogene musician, Chikezie Okezie Nwamba, before an Enugu East Magistrate Court.
Joseph, who had been dismissed by the force was remanded in prison for an offence of murder by the court on Monday.
A statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed that the orderly room trial of Joseph by the Enugu State Police Command had been conducted before his arraignment and eventual remand.
“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.
“Accordingly, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 13 (covering Anambra and Enugu States’ Commands), approved the orderly trial recommendations to dismiss and prosecute the Inspector in court. Hence, he has been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force and was today, October 28, 2024, arraigned at the Enugu East Magistrate Court for the offence of murder.
“The Chief Magistrate ordered the remand of the former officer in the Enugu Correctional Custodial Centre and the transmission of the case-file to the Attorney General of Enugu State for further judicial action. The trial was adjourned to November 12, 2024,” he said.
The police spokesperson noted that the Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, extended his condolences to the family, friends, and associates of the deceased, expressing gratitude to the government, people of Enugu State, and the public for their support throughout the case.
“CP Kanayo reemphasized that the Nigeria Police Force remains a disciplined government agency, assuring that under his leadership, the Command will continue to hold all erring officers accountable for their actions,” Ndukwe stated.