Killing of 17 soldiers: Nigerian Army Releases Detained Delta Traditional Ruler

The King of Ewu Kingdom, Clement Ikolo, who had been detained by the Nigerian Army following the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama community in Delta on March 14, was released on Friday. He had surrendered himself after being declared wanted alongside seven other suspects in connection with the incident. 

Ikolo was handed over to Senator Ede Dafinone by the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu. The army authorities decided to release the traditional ruler on bail to the senator after a preliminary investigation. 

Nwachukwu mentioned that there was not enough evidence to establish the traditional ruler’s culpability definitively, but it was still early to absolve anyone from the crime. The manhunt for those involved in the crime, whether directly, indirectly, or with knowledge of it, was still ongoing. 

Ikolo surrendered to the Nigeria Police, who then transferred him to the Nigerian army. The army reviewed all available information on the incident and made some preliminary observations, one of which was the lack of conclusive evidence against the traditional ruler, although there was insufficient evidence to clear anyone at this point.

Despite this, with the intervention of Senator Dafinone, who represents Delta Central, and his endorsement of the monarch’s character, as well as the fact that the monarch willingly surrendered himself for questioning, it has been decided that His Highness will be released to the Senator.

The condition for his release is that he will always assist the army and other government agencies in their investigation of the Okuama killing incident and be available whenever needed.

Nwachukwu stated that the release of the traditional ruler aligns with the army’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and justice. He also urged others who are wanted for questioning to come forward, assuring them of fair and decent treatment.

The army spokesman further emphasized that anyone found guilty will be dealt with according to constitutional provisions.

The traditional ruler expressed his gratitude to God, the Delta Governor, and the members of the National Assembly from the state for their support. He acknowledged that the army treated him fairly and provided him with decent accommodations during his detention.

The royal father pledged his support and cooperation to the army in ensuring that the perpetrators of the heinous act are brought to justice. The Senator, in turn, commended the Nigerian army for their professionalism in handling the crisis and affirmed that the traditional ruler was treated with dignity.