The monarch of Ewu Kingdom, Clement Ikolo, known as Urhukpe 1, has voluntarily turned himself in to the police in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
This action follows swiftly after the Defence Headquarters announced on Thursday, during a briefing in Abuja, that he and seven others were being sought in connection with the fatal attack on military personnel within his jurisdiction.
It was on March 14, 2024, when officers and soldiers from the 181 Amphibious Battalion tragically lost their lives at the hands of enraged youths while on a peacekeeping assignment in the Okuama community.
Since 2023, the communities of Okuama and Okoloba in the state have been entangled in an enduring conflict over land ownership.
In an initial response to his inclusion among the seven individuals sought in connection to the crime, the monarch expressed his astonishment in a video released on Thursday.
He denied his involvement and described himself as a devoted Catholic and Christian who would never do such.
It was previously reported that the monarch has turned himself in at the state police command.
Read also: Pull Army Out Of Okuama, Niger Delta Leaders Urge Tinubu
Arriving at 6:41 pm on Thursday, the monarch was said to have presented himself to the state Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, confirmed the development.
Before turning himself in to the authorities, the monarch spoke to reporters, vehemently proclaiming his innocence in relation to the accusations.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian military disclosed on Thursday its consideration of offering a bounty on individuals connected to the killing.
On Wednesday, the final rites for the slain soldiers were conducted at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.
Wednesday witnessed the funeral proceedings for the slain soldiers, which took place at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.
Additional individuals declared wanted include Prof. Ekpekpo Arthur, Andaowei Dennis Bakriri, Akevwru Daniel Omotegbo (also known as AMAGBEN), Akata Malawa David, Sinclear Oliki, Reuben Baru, and Igoli Ebi.
Regardless, the spokesperson for Delta State, once again on Friday, affirmed to our correspondent in Asaba, the capital of Delta State, that the monarch has been delivered to military custody.
He said, “Yes, the monarch reported yesterday and this morning he was handed over to the military.”