A POPULAR Ogene musician, Okezie Mba, has been shot dead by a police inspector in Enugu State.

The state police command confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday, October 26.

Mba, otherwise known as Igbo-Jah, was reported to have attended an event on Friday, October 25, at the anti-cult unit of the Enugu State Police Command when some police officers started shooting indiscriminately.

The singer was then hit by a bullet and died on the way while being rushed to a nearby hospital.

In the statement, the police spokesperson in the state, Daniel Ndukwe, said the inspector had been arrested and detained for the murder.

Ndukwe, a deputy superintendent of police, however, did not disclose the officer’s name.

He only hinted the officer was a male inspector serving in the anti-cultism tactical squad of the police command in the state.

“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 (Mba) 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,” Ndukwe said.

According to Ndukwe, the state’s commissioner of police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, has ordered his deputy in charge of the state criminal investigation department to probe the incident.

He also directed his deputy to ensure “appropriate disciplinary actions” are taken against the inspector.

He assured that the police inspector and any other persons found culpable would be sanctioned in line with the law to serve as a deterrent.

Commiserating with the family of the musician, Uzuegbu described the musician’s death as “unfortunate and unacceptable.”

He urged family members and friends of the slain musician to remain calm and cooperate with the police to ensure that justice is served.