The Nigerian Army has released Prince Clement Ikolo Ogenerukevwe, the monarch declared wanted over the killing of 17 military personnel in Okuama, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The military high command had launched manhunt for those suspected to have perpetrated the dastardly act which made residents of Okuama to desert the community.
Politics Nigeria reports that the monarch was declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters alongside seven others for alleged involvement in the act.
They include Arthur Ekpekpo, a professor; Andaowei Dennis Bakriri, Akevwru Daniel Omotegbono (a.k.a Amagbem); and Akata Malawa David.
Others are Sinclear Oliki, Reuben Baru, and Igoli Ebi, the only woman among the wanted suspects.
Recall that the monarch, whom the incident happened in his domain submitted himself to the police, who in turn handed him to the Army.
But addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, Major-General Onyema Nwachukwu, said although the army has not exonerated anybody regarding the incident, it decided to release the monarch after the intervention of highly-placed personalities in the society.
The traditional ruler was released to the lawmaker representing Delta Central, Senator Ede Dafianone, Army frees monarch declared wanted for Okuama killings.
While handing the monarch over to the senator, who stood surety for him, Nwachukwu said the lawmaker testified to the decent character of the monarch.
