Clement Ikolo, the king of the Ewu kingdom, who is one of the suspects declared wanted by the Nigerian military, has surrendered himself to the Nigerian police.
Ikolo was listed among the eight suspects declared wanted by the Nigerian Army Defence Headquarters over the March 14 killing of 17 soldiers at Okuama Community in Delta State.
READ ALSO: Military declares professor, seven others wanted over killing of soldiers in Okuama
The police spokesman in the state, Bright Edafe, confirmed that the monarch was in custody as of Thursday evening.
Ikolo arrived at the state police command headquarters at about 6:41 pm on Thursday to report himself.
Before he turned himself in, the monarch had a chat with journalists and insisted on his innocence in the killing of the soldiers.
He said he expressed shock when he saw his name on the list of wanted persons in connection with the killing.
“I have no hands in the killings. This is a serious crime against humanity, and it is against my faith as a Catholic,” he said.
“I am not in anyway connected to it. I got my staff of office on November 16, 2023, and it was very turbulent, and the government knows it.”
On Thursday, the Defence Headquarters declared eight persons, including Ikolo wanted over their roles in the recent killing of 17 military personnel.
Those declared wanted are Prof. Ekpekpo Arthur, Andaowei Dennis Bakriri, Akevwru Daniel Omotegbo (Aka Amagben), Akata Malawa David, Sinclear Oliki; a traditional ruler, Clement Ikolo Oghenerukeywe; Reuben Baru, and Igoli Ebi.
Meanwhile, the 17 soldiers were buried at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja, on Wednesday, 27 March.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Service Chiefs and other dignitaries were present at the burial ceremony.
Tinubu said the Federal Government will provide housing to each of the families of the fallen heroes anywhere they choose within the country.
READ ALSO: Tinubu gives houses, scholarships to families of soldiers killed in Okuama
The president described the slain soldiers patriots, brave and noble men who gave their lives to defend and protect our nation against internal and external threats.
He promised that their sacrifice will be remembered and honoured for generations to come.
Also, he awarded the children and even yet-to-be-born of the soldiers full educational scholarships up to the University level.
