JUST IN: Okuama Killings: Detained Delta Monarch Freed By Military After 3 Delta Senators’ Intervention

…Senator Dafinone stands as monarch’s surety

After spending two weeks in military custody, the Nigerian Army, on Friday, released the detained traditional ruler of Ewu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty King Clement Ikolo, to Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone.

BIGPEN NIGERIA (https://bigpenngr.com) reports that the spokesman for the Army, Major General Clement Nwachukwu said that the traditional ruler was released because nothing linked him to the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama.

Nwachukwu said Senator Dafinone is standing as the monarch’s surety.

He, however, noted that no evidence exonerates him as yet.

It was gathered that the monarch was freed following the intervention the three Delta State Senators, Senator Ede Dafinone,(Delta Central) Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North) and Joel Onowakpo-Thomas (Delta South).

The monarch was handed over to Senator Dafinone by the military authority at about 11: am today with understanding that the senator will produce him should his attention be needed.

The monarch who is in good spirit was surrounded by his wife and other family members as the military briefed journalist before his release.

The three Delta State senators had on Tuesday, met with the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Christopher Musa, seeking the release of the monarch whom they believe may not be connected to the crisis that claimed the lives of the soldiers and some civilians.

As a follow up to the visit to the CDC on Wednesday, Senator Dafinone accompanied by Senator Ned Nwoko, had visited the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps where they were granted audience with King Clement Ikolo and was relieved to see that the King is in good health.

The monarch who turned himself in to the Delta State Police Command, was handed over to the Nigerian military after he was declared wanted in connection to the Okuama incident.

The monarch was among those declared wanted by the Nigerian Army on March 14th 2024 in the aftermath of the Okuama crisis which led to the death of soldiers and civilians including women and children.