Okuama Killing: Why army released detained Delta monarch

• Tells Other Suspects To Submit Themselves For Questioning
• Delta Monarchs Applauds Tinubu, Military Authorities

The Nigerian Army high command yesterday morning released the King of Ewu Kingdom, HRH Clement Ikolo Ogenerukevwe, declared wanted a few weeks ago over the killing of 17 military personnel in Delta State.

The Army said although it has not exonerated anybody regarding the incident, it decided to release the monarch after the intervention of highly-placed personalities in the society and a painstaking review of the incident by the Nigerian Army.

The Guardian had reported how the military high command launched manhunt for the arrest of those who perpetrated the dastardly act, a development that has made residents of Okuama to desert their community.

Shortly after the manhunt, the military declared Arthur Ekpekpo, a professor; Andaowei Dennis Bakriri, Akevwru Daniel Omotegbono (a.k.a Amagbem); and Akata Malawa David wanted.

Other people declared wanted are Sinclear Oliki, Clement Ikolo Ogenerukevwe, Reuben Baru and Igoli Ebi, the only woman among the wanted suspects. Speaking during a short ceremony at the army headquarters, the spokesman, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, said that following the gruesome and reprehensible killing of 17 Nigerian Army personnel in the Okuama community of Delta State on March 14, 2024, a manhunt was launched for those suspected to have perpetrated, directed, supported or knew about the incident with a view to bringing those culpable to justice.

“In this light, HRH Clement Ikolo Oghenerukvwe the King of Ewu Kingdom, in whose domain the dastardly act took place, surrendered to the Nigeria Police, who in turn handed him over to the Nigerian Army.

“Since his surrender, the Nigerian Army has painstakingly reviewed every available information on the incident and has come to some preliminary observations and inferences, one of which is that, while culpability has not been conclusively established against the traditional ruler, there is insufficient evidence to exonerate anyone at this stage.

“Nevertheless, on the intervention of Distinguished Senator Dafinone, representing Delta South, and his vouching for the monarch’s character, and the fact that the monarch voluntarily turned himself in for questioning, it has been decided that His Highness be released to the Distinguished Senator, who has agreed to act as surety for his release on the condition that he will always assist the Nigerian Army and other agencies of government investigating the Okuama killing incident to have access to the monarch whenever needed.

“The Nigerian Army hereby releases the HRH Clement Ikolo Oghenerukvwe, the king of Ewu Kingdom, to Distinguished Senator Dafinone representing Delta South as a responsible national political figure.

“Members of the public and international community are to note that the release of the traditional ruler speaks to Nigerian Army’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and justice.

“The Nigerian Army, therefore, wishes to, by this gesture, encourage others to make themselves available for questioning and that they are guaranteed fair and decent treatment and will be strictly subjected to constitutional provisions for handling such cases if found culpable,” Nwachukwu said.

While expressing appreciation to those who stood by him during his stay in detention in a military facility in Abuja, Oghenerukvwe promised to cooperate with the Nigerian Army to get to the root of the matter.

On his part, Dafinone commended the Nigerian Army for being professional in handling the matter. Meanwhile, the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers have commended president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the military high command and Governor Sheriff Oborewori for their roles in facilitating the release of Ogenerukevwe.

The Chairman of the Council and Orodje of Okpe, Major General Felix Mujakpuero (rtd), Orhue 1, gave the commendation in a communiqué at the end of their monthly meeting yesterday in Asaba.

The Delta royal fathers also applauded the Senators representing Delta South, Delta North and Delta Central for spearheading the initiative for the release of the  Ewu-Urhobo Monarch.

“We are indeed grateful to all those who played different roles  at different quarters to enhance the early release of our colleague from detention. The people of Ewu-Urhobo kingdom are excited about the good news.

“The three senators representing the three senatorial districts did exceptionally well by visiting the military authorities and the Ewu Urhobo Monarch while in detention,” the communiqué said.

The monarchs pledged their unalloyed support to the state towards the attainment of continued peace and security. The meeting was attended by the immediate past chairman of council and Obi of OWA Kingdom, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor 11; the First Vice Chairman and Pere of Akugbene Mien, Kalanama V111; the Second Vice Chairman and Obi of Ubulu-Unor, Agbogodi Henry Kikachukwu 1 and others.