I was shocked a few days ago when I saw the death of Chikezie on the Facebook of Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor. My heart was broken. I wanted to write about it but I was very busy. What a tragic loss in the music industry. The recent killing of Okezie Chikezie Mba, known as "Igbo-Jah," has cast a somber shadow over the Igbo community and the Nigerian music industry, emphasizing an urgent need to address police misconduct in Nigeria. Okezie was fatally shot on October 25, 2024, by an officer in the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad of the Enugu State Police Command, with the police attributing the incident to an "accidental discharge." Chikezie was a leading figure in Ogene music, a traditional Igbo genre known for its rhythmic use of the iconic Ogene gong, Okezie’s death represents a profound loss that booms deeply within our community.
Ogene music has long served as a vital means of expression, central to Igbo heritage and culture. Chikezie’s artistry showcased the richness of Igbo tradition to audiences nationwide, earning him admiration as both a musician and cultural ambassador. His tragic loss is not only a personal sorrow for his loved ones but a cultural blow to the entire Igbo community. This incident starkly underlines the call for systemic reforms to address police misconduct and ensure accountability, as mandated by the Nigerian Constitution.
Nigeria's 1999 Constitution enshrines the fundamental rights of all citizens, beginning with the right to life. Section 33(1) states: “Every person has a right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, save in execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offense.” This tragic event directly contravenes this constitutional guarantee and underlines the pressing demand for accountability.
Moreover, Section 34(1) reinforces the dignity of the human person by prohibiting torture, inhumane treatment, or acts degrading to human dignity. The fatal shooting of Chikezie, a peaceful musician reportedly leaving a social visit, raises grave concerns about the treatment and protection of civilians under police supervision.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence in Nigeria. Social media erupted in response to the news, with Nigerians decrying this latest example of excessive force. A social media user shared a video of the musician's lifeless body, reflecting the human cost of unchecked misconduct and insufficient oversight.
While public outcry has prompted initial actions by the Enugu State Police Command, including the arrest of the involved officer, history shows that these steps rarely lead to systemic change. Nigeria has seen numerous cases of police misconduct dismissed as "accidental discharge"—a phrase that often obscures issues of inadequate police training, lack of accountability, and disregard for human rights, all incompatible with the country’s constitutionally protected rights.
In response to this tragic event, the Enugu State Police Command spokesperson confirmed that the Commissioner of Police had ordered a full-scale investigation, pledging disciplinary actions against the responsible officer and others found culpable. While these are necessary steps, they must be the starting point for meaningful accountability.
For justice to prevail, this investigation must be thorough and transparent. The Nigerian Police Act (2020) clearly outlines the police's duty to respect and uphold citizens' fundamental rights, yet ongoing violations suggest a troubling gap between legal mandates and police practice. Section 36(1) of the Constitution guarantees the right to a fair hearing, ensuring that due process is upheld not only for victims but also within internal investigations to prevent cover-ups or insufficient accountability.
This is a critical time for Nigeria’s police force to demonstrate its commitment to upholding justice and accountability. The Commissioner has urged the public to cooperate with the investigation and remain calm, pledging that those responsible will face justice by the law. This assurance must translate into a thorough and impartial investigation, ensuring that Chikezie’s family, friends, and community see justice served.
The Nigerian government and law enforcement authorities owe it to Chikezie’s memory and to all Nigerians to create a safer, more humane society. With his death, the nation has lost not only a musician but a keeper of cultural legacy and an advocate of Igbo traditions. To honor his memory, Nigeria must address police misconduct decisively and uphold the rights of every citizen, as outlined in the Constitution
Chikezie’s death should serve as a turning point in the fight against police misconduct. As a nation, Nigeria must reflect on the sacrifices made by individuals who contribute so richly to its culture and heritage. Beyond mourning, this tragedy must drive actionable change, reinforcing the commitment to constitutional rights and the dignity of every Nigerian citizen.
In a culturally diverse and vibrant Nigeria, police forces should embody the values of respect, integrity, and justice. As we honor the life of Okezie Chikezie Mba, we must continue to advocate for reforms that prevent future tragedies and ensure that Nigeria’s security agencies protect, rather than harm, the citizens they serve. Justice for Chikezie is not just a call for accountability; it is a call for a more humane and just Nigeria.
Written by Daniel Okonkwo for Profile International Human Rights Advocate.
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