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.