The Nigerian Army has released the traditional ruler of Ewu Kingdom, Clement Ikolo, who had been in detention following the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama community in Delta State on March 14.
The monarch had surrendered himself after he was declared wanted alongside seven other suspects by the army in connection with the incident.
Ikolo was handed over to the senator representing Delta Central, Ede Dafinone, by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Friday, April 19, 2024.
While briefing newsmen on the release of the traditional ruler, Nwachukwu said the army authorities decided to release Ikolo on bail to the senator after a preliminary investigation.
He said while there was no sufficient evidence of the traditional ruler’s culpability, it was also too early to exonerate anyone from the incident.
The army spokesperson said the manhunt for those who perpetrated the crime directly, supported or knew about it, was ongoing.
According to him, Ikolo in whose domain the killing of soldiers took place, surrendered to the Nigeria Police Force, who in turn handed him over to the Nigerian Army.
Soldiers’ killing: Wanted Delta monarch surrenders to police
Nwachukwu said: “Since his surrender, the Nigerian Army has painstakingly reviewed every available information on the incident and has come to some preliminary observations and inferences.
“One of which is that, while culpability has not been conclusively established against the traditional ruler, there is insufficient evidence, to exonerate anyone at this stage.
“Nevertheless, on the intervention of distinguished Senator Dafinone, representing Delta Central, and his vouching for the monarch’s character, and the fact that the monarch voluntarily turned himself in for questioning, it has been decided that His Highness be released to the senator.
“He has agreed to act as surety for his release on the condition that he will always assist the army and other agencies of government investigating the Okuama killing incident, to have access to the monarch whenever needed.”
Nwachukwu said the release of the traditional ruler was in line with the army’s commitment to upholding rule of law and justice.
The army spokesman urged others declared wanted to make themselves available for questioning, assuring that they would receive fair and decent treatment.
In his response, Ikolo thanked God, Delta State Governor, and members of the National Assembly from the state for their support.
He said the army accorded him fair treatment and was kept in a decent facility during his detention.
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