Metro

Police Dismiss Officer In Fatal Shooting Of Enugu Musician

Published

10 months ago

October 28, 2024

Police Inspector Joseph Ozonwanji, formerly of the Anti-Cultism Police Squad in Enugu State, has been arraigned and remanded in prison custody for the murder of Igbo ogene musician, Okezie Nwamba, also known as Igbo-Jah.

Ozonwanji was arraigned on Monday on one count charge bordering on murder before a Chief Administrative Magistrate, Enugu East Magistrate Court, Ngozi Edeani.

This development comes after Ozonwanji’s orderly room trial, which led to his dismissal, was approved by Assistant Inspector General of Police Godwin Aghaulor, who oversees Zone 13.

The prosecution is being led by the Officer-in-Charge of the Enugu State Police Command, SP Justice Attah, and Emmanuel Ajogwu.

In a charge marked CME/614/2024, Ozonwanji was accused of unlawfully killing Nwamba by firing him with an AK47 Riffle, an offense that is punishable under Section 274(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2024.

The one count charge reads, “That you Ozonwanji Joseph ‘m’ on 25th day of October 2024 at about 2010hrs at anti-Cultism Police Squad, Goshen Estate Enugu in the Enugu North Magisterial District did unlawfully kill one Okezie Chikezie Nwamba ‘m’ by firing him with an AK47 Riffle, which caused his death and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 274(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2024.”

After the charge was read to the accused in the language of his choice, the presiding Magistrate Edeani ordered for the case file to be transferred to the Department of Public Prosecution for advice and ordered that the suspect be remanded at the Enugu Maximum Correctional Centre.

Briefing newsmen after the arraignment, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Enugu State Command, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, said the accused’s arraignment for murder was in keeping with the promise and determination of the Enugu State Government and the police to ensure that justice was done in the matter.

“It is important to inform our people that the Chief Magistrate has listened to the charge brought against the dismissed police officer and has asked that the case file be transmitted to the Attorney General of Enugu State to proceed from there and advise accordingly for the next line of action.

“This is one trial we want to see happen. We are talking about a human life. Policemen generally have that responsibility to protect lives, but if, for whatever reason, any police officer misuses his firearm, the liability is on the person. That is exactly what has happened today. You could see the Enugu State Government and the police command in the state have done everything possible to ensure that justice prevails in this case,” Ndukwe stated.

Speaking on the matter, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, said his office would expect the file and act expeditiously.

Metro

Bandits Invade Kwara Community, Kill One, Kidnap Eight Others

Published

7 hours ago

September 7, 2025

Editor

Shagbe village and its environs in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State was, at the weekend, thrown into confusion following the killing of one person and the kidnapping of eight others by bandits.

A source, who spoke with The Guardian, noted that the bandits were armed to the teeth with weapons ranging from guns of different shapes and sizes, as well as clubs.

According to a source (names withheld), the bandits waged brutal attacks that scared away youths and other able-bodied villagers.

The source told our reporter on the phone that the attack occurred at about 9:15 pm on Saturday.

He said: “One person was killed during the violent invasion and eight others declared missing.”

A police source disclosed that the confusion has prompted the Commissioner of Police (CP), Adekimi Ojo, to order the concerned Divisional Police Officer (DPO) to the village.

He, however, added: “The volatile situation in our community has made an on-the-spot assessment unrealistic.”

CP Ojo confirmed the attack, saying that the DPO of Oke-Ode is already in the area for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation

Metro

Amotekun Arrests Suspected Kidnapper In Osun

Published

9 hours ago

September 7, 2025

Editor

The Osun Amotekun Corps says it has arrested a suspected kidnapper, Ayobola Awe, in the Isokun area of Ilesa.

This was contained in a statement issued by Mr Yusuf Abass, the Public Relations Officer for the Corps, on Sunday in Osogbo.

The statement said that the suspect, popularly called ” Bishop Awasere”, had been on the wanted list of some security agencies over alleged murder and kidnapping.

It stated that Awe and his notorious gang were tracked to a hideout in the Isokun area of Ilesa at 5:59p.m.

“During the raid, Amotekun operatives recovered hard drugs and a cache of assorted charms believed to be used by the gang for spiritual fortification.

“We have also launched a manhunt on some gang members that managed to escape during the operation,” the statement added.

According to the statement, the arrest represents a significant stride in the fight against violent crime in the state and its surrounding areas.
(VANGUARD)

Metro

Police Foil Robbery Attacks On Anambra Roads, Recover Vehicles

Published

1 day ago

September 6, 2025

Editor

The Anambra State Police Command said it has repelled armed robbery attacks in Oba and Awka areas of the state, with two stolen vehicles earlier snatched by the robbery gang recovered.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed in a statement on Saturday that the police patrols have continued to foil plans of criminals following the security and safety measures put in place by the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu.

Ikenga added that the swift response and coordinated chase by police operatives attached to the Central Police Station, Awka and police operatives attached to Oba Division, led to the recovery of the snatched vehicles from the criminals at different operations.

The statement read in part, “Police operatives have recovered two abandoned, but suspected snatched vehicles in Oba and Awka, respectively. Efforts are, however, ongoing to apprehend the culprits.

“The swift response and coordinated chase by Police Operatives attached to the Central Police Station, Awka, led to the recovery of a snatched Lexus ES 350 car with registration number Lagos – BDG 350 JR, along Parkers Road, Awka, on September 4, 2025, at about 10.10 pm.

“Four armed men, operating in a tricycle without a registration number, had earlier blocked the victim along Ifite Road, Amaenyi, forcing him to abandon his vehicle before they fled the scene with it.

“Similarly, in the early hours of September 5, 2025, police operatives attached to Oba Division received information that a black Lexus RX 300 Jeep with registration number Anambra – AWK 31 DU, had been abandoned by yet-to-be-identified persons around Mummy Hotel axis, along Owerri–Onitsha Expressway, Oba.

“Upon receipt of the information, police operatives moved swiftly to the location and recovered the vehicle, which has since been towed to the station for safekeeping.

“To this end, the command appreciates the good people of Anambra for their timely and useful information, noting that effective collaboration between the Police and the public remains a key strategy in combating crime.”