Army releases Delta monarch declared wanted over Okuama killings

The army has released Clement Ikolo, a traditional ruler in Delta state, who was arrested over the murder of 17 officers in Okuama community.

Ikolo was released on Friday during a briefing by Onyema Nwachukwu, director, army public relations, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

The army personnel were killed on March 14 during a peacekeeping operation in the community.

The Defence Headquarters had declared Ikolo among eight persons wanted in connection to the murder.

The monarch subsequently turned himself in after releasing a statement to plead his innocence.

Ikolo said taking lives is against his philosophy and faith as a Catholic, and urged the army to look elsewhere for the culprits.

The monarch was released to Ede Dafinone, senator representing Delta central, who stood as surety.

Nwachukwu said Ikolo’s release did not amount to exoneration but was only facilitated after the senator testified to his character.

Others declared wanted over the murder are Ekpekpo Arthur, a professor of physics at the Delta State University; Akeywiru Omotegbono, Andaowei Bakrikri, Igoli Ebi, a lady; Akata David, Sinclear Oliki, and Reuben Baru.

After the killing of the officers, President Bola Tinubu and the military high command promised that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.