Okuama 17: Falana Writes Army, Seeks To Meet Detained Ovie Of Ewu-Urhobo

Human rights lawyer and activist, Femi Falana has written to the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, asking to meet with the detained traditional ruler of Ewu in Ughelli South Local Government Area Clement Ikolo, who recently turned himself in after he was declared wanted by the military in connection with the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama


Falana had earlier faulted the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) for declaring Ikolo, who turned himself in to the police, wanted.

The DHQ had declared Ikolo, the president general of Ewu, Prof Ekpekpo Arthur and six others wanted over the brutal killing of 17 military personnel in Okuama in Ewu kingdom of Ughelli South local government area of Delta.

In a letter addressed to CDS Musa on Tuesday Falana said that the families of the Delta monarch are worried about his safety and whereabout as they have not been able to have access to him.

In the letter, signed by Marshal Abubakar of the Falana & Falana Chambers, the human rights lawyer and activist assured of commitment and assistance in getting justice for the slain patriotic soldiers and their families.


“We act as counsel to the family of HRM, King Clement Ikolo Ogbeneruvwe hereinafter our clients and on their express behest we write.

“Permit me to express our heartfelt condolences to the military authorities and the families of the gallant soldiers of the Nigerian Army who lost their lives in the needless and dastardly attack on them in Delta State.


“Their death is indeed a national, monumental loss we all regret and we pray God Almighty grant their gallant souls eternal rest.


“As you may no doubt be aware, His Royal Highness, King Clement Ikolo Ogbeneruvwe (who was declared wanted by military authorities) turned himself in penultimate week to security agents.

“The families are however worried about his safety and where about as they have not been able to access him.

“We hereby request for an audience with our client, HRM, King Clement Ikolo Ogbeneruvwe in the presence of military authorities, personnel or agent (s)

“Whilst assuring you of our commitment and assistance in getting justice for the slain patriotic soldiers and their families, please accept as usual our kind and warm regards, always”.