The Nigerian Army on Friday released the traditional ruler, Clement Ikolo, who was arrested after he was declared wanted over the gruesome murder of 17 soldiers in the Okuama community in Delta State on March 14, 2024.
News About Nigeria reported that 17 military personnel, comprising four officers and 13 soldiers, were murdered by residents of the Okuama community in Delta State while on a peace mission.
They were said to have been ambushed and killed by some residents of the Okuama community, among whom the traditional ruler was named.
It can be recalled that the monarch was declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters along with seven others for their alleged involvement in the heinous act.
After he was declared wanted, Ikolo, who is the King of Ewu Kingdom in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state, turned himself in to the authorities by going to the state police command, from where he was then handed over to the Nigerian Army.
Before submitting himself to the police, the monarch had noted that he was innocent of the accusation but would give himself to the authorities because he is a leader who abides by the law.
Following his detention, other traditional leaders in the state have since been petitioning the Nigerian Army for his release because he is innocent of the allegations against him.
The monarch was, however, released today during a briefing at Army Headquarters by the director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu.
Ikolo was said to be released to Senator Ede Dafianone, who stood as his surety.
