The Ovie of Ewu Kingdom in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, Clement Ikolo, Urhukpe 1, has surrendered himself to the police. Punch reports.
This decision comes on the heels of the Defence Headquarters declaring him and seven others wanted on Thursday at a briefing in Abuja in connection to the killing of military personnel in his domain.
On March 14, 2024, officers and soldiers of the 181 Amphibious Battalion were killed by some irate youths during a peacekeeping mission in the Okuama community.
Okuama and Okoloba communities in the state have been embroiled in a lingering land dispute since 2023.
Earlier, reacting to his name being listed among the other seven wanted in connection to the crime, the monarch, in a video, also on Thursday, expressed shock.
He denied his involvement and described himself as a devoted Catholic and Christian who would never do such.
However, Channels TV reported that the monarch has turned himself in at the state police command.
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.
Prior to surrendering to the authorities, the monarch addressed reporters, asserting his innocence regarding the allegations.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian military on Thursday disclosed that it may place a bounty on suspects connected to the killing.
The funeral rites for the slain soldiers took place on Wednesday at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.
Other persons declared wanted Prof. Ekpekpo Arthur, Andaowei Dennis Bakriri, Akevwru Daniel Omotegbo (aka AMAGBEN), Akata Malawa David, Sinclear Oliki, Reuben Baru and Igoli Ebi.
However, the Delta State spokesperson, again on Friday confirmed to our correspondent in Asaba, the Delta State capital that the monarch has been handed over to the military.
He said, “Yes, the monarch reported yesterday and this morning he was handed over to the military.”