A traditional ruler, Clement Ikolo Ogenerukeywe declared wanted over the gruesome murders of 17 soldiers in Okuama community in Delta State has given himself up to the police.
Oghenerukevwe is the Ovie of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State and the traditional ruler of Okuama.
He was declared wanted alongside seven others, among them a Professor of Physics, Ekpekpo Arthur, suspected to play part in the killings of the deceased soldiers 15 days ago.
As stated by the state Police Commissioner Abaniwonda Olufemi, Oghenerukevwe, turned himself in to the police shortly after the Defence Headquarters declared him wanted alongside the other suspects.
Earlier on, a video of the monarch granting an interview where he denied having hands in the killings made the rounds on social media.
Speaking, “To the greatest of my surprise, I saw my name on the list of persons wanted in connection with this heinous crime. It is a shock because I have no hand in such a thing. I don’t believe in anything that has to do with truncating the lives of human beings. I am not in any way connected to this.
“Let it be stated here that I have not been able to access the kingdom to date. I got my staff of office on November 16, 2023. Prior to getting my staff of office, it has been turbulent. The government is sufficiently aware of my position and I am really surprised and taken aback that my name as the monarch of the kingdom will appear in the list of wanted persons. I have no hand in killings. I have no hand in encouraging anybody to kill anybody. It is against my philosophy as a human being and my faith as a Catholic.”
Continued: “This is a serious crime against humanity, and I think they need to look at the appropriate places. They need to do a thorough investigation to know all these and bring them to book.”
