Police capture wanted monarch after surrendering

Surrendering himself to the police, the Ovie of Ewu Kingdom in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, known as Clement Ikolo, Urhukpe 1, has taken a significant step towards resolving his situation.

His decision follows the Defence Headquarters declaring him and seven others as wanted during a briefing in Abuja related to the incident involving the killing of military personnel in his jurisdiction.

Tragedy struck on March 14, 2024, when officers and soldiers of the 181 Amphibious Battalion lost their lives to irate youths during a peacekeeping mission in the Okuama community.

A longstanding land dispute has kept Okuama and Okoloba communities at odds since 2023.

Expressing shock at being named among the wanted suspects, the monarch released a video on Thursday denying his involvement, emphasizing his strong Christian beliefs and his status as a committed Catholic.

However, the monarch has now turned himself in at the state police command, as reported by Channels TV.

He presented himself to the state Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, at 6:41 pm on Thursday, and this development was confirmed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe.

Prior to submitting himself to the authorities, the monarch spoke to the press, maintaining his innocence in light of the accusations against him.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian military mentioned the possibility of offering a bounty for information leading to the arrest of other suspects connected to the incident.

The funeral services for the fallen soldiers were conducted on Wednesday at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.

The other individuals declared wanted include Prof. Ekpekpo Arthur, Andaowei Dennis Bakriri, Akevwru Daniel Omotegbo (aka AMAGBEN), Akata Malawa David, Sinclear Oliki, Reuben Baru, and Igoli Ebi.