The Ovie of Ewu Kingdom in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, Clement Ikolo, Urhukpe 1, has turned himself in to the police in connection with the killing of soldiers in his domain.
The Herald gathered that the decision to surrender comes after the Defence Headquarters declared him and seven others wanted on Thursday at a briefing in Abuja in connection to the incident.
The soldiers from the 181 Amphibious Battalion were killed on March 14, 2024, during a peacekeeping mission in the Okuama community.
The Okuama and Okoloba communities have been entangled in a prolonged land dispute since 2023, exacerbating tensions in the region.
In response to being listed as a wanted person, the monarch expressed shock and denied any involvement, noting his devout Catholic and Christian beliefs.
However, reports from Channels TV stated that he presented himself to the state commissioner of police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, at the Delta State Police Command.
The state police public relations officer, Bright Edafe, confirmed the monarch’s surrender, stating that he arrived at 6:41 pm on Thursday.
Prior to his surrender, the monarch addressed reporters, claiming innocence regarding the allegations.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian military has hinted at placing a bounty on suspects connected to the killing.
The funeral rites for the slain soldiers were held on Wednesday at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.
Aside from the Ovie of Ewu Kingdom, others declared wanted include Prof. Ekpekpo Arthur, Andaowei Dennis Bakriri, Akevwru Daniel Omotegbo (aka AMAGBEN), Akata Malawa David, Sinclear Oliki, Reuben Baru, and Igoli Ebi.