Traditional ruler declared wanted by DHQ for killing of soldiers in Delta surrenders to police

The traditional ruler of Ewu an-Urhobo Kingdom, HRM Clement Oghenerhukewe Ikolo, who was among those declared wanted by the military over the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama community in Delta State, has surrendered to the police.

Ikolo, alongside 7 persons, were declared wanted over the deaths of the slain heroes who were buried in Abuja on Wednesday.

The Defence Headquarters released a wanted list of eight persons and asked the public to help track down the suspects.

Daily Trust had contacted Ikolo, who had earlier condemned the killing of soldiers, to react to the wanted list, but he simply said, “I just saw it (the list) on TV now. Please, I will call you back because I am with my lawyer.”

However, after addressing the press and releasing a video stating his innocence, the monarch turned himself in.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Delta, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed that the traditional ruler is in custody.

“The monarch has surrendered to the police, and he’s in custody,” Edafe said.

In the video he released before surrendering, the traditional ruler said, “I am very surprised that my name as the monarch of the kingdom will appear in the list of wanted persons.

“I have no hand in the killings, I have no hand in encouraging anybody to kill anybody; it is against my philosophy as a human being and my faith as a Catholic.

“It is a serious crime against humanity and they need to look at the appropriate places and do thorough investigation to know all those who has committed this and bring them to book and let justice prevail.”