FIFTEEN out of the 21 Ife indigenes arrested over the ethnic clash that occurred in the town and taken to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), were, on Thursday evening, released unconditionally by the police.

This came as indications emerged that the freed suspects would be demanding compensation from the police and the Federal Government for their illegal detention and parade as criminals.

Pan-Yoruba sociocultural organisation, Afenifere, which is at the forefront of the agitation for the release of the suspects, told the Nigerian Tribune last night that the illegal detention and public parade of the indigenes would not go unchallenged.

Its spokesperson, Mr Yinka Odumakin, disclosed that those issues would be taken alongside the sustained demand for the release of the remaining six detainees.

When asked for the next line of action, he said the judicial pressure on police and government would go on, to ensure the release of six other Ife natives arrested in connection with the violent clash.

It will be recalled that no northerner involved in the crisis was arrested, sparking outrage in the South-West.

Odumakin also confirmed the release of the 15 detainees.

He said the fundamental human right case brought against the police and the Inspector-General of Police would be sustained.

“After securing the release of the remaining six, there is still the issue of those unconditionally released but already paraded like common criminals and detained for no just cause. We are taking that (detention and parade) up,” he said.

According to Odumakin, 15 people were released by the police, adding that the remaining six, including the traditional ruler, were still in police custody.

Those released unconditionally were Ayoola Abimbola, Bello Wahab, Peter Omisore, Adefisan Isaac, Adelekan Kehinde, Elufisan Akintoye, Omisanmi Isaac and Adejobe Monday.

Others were Olanrewaju Adebayo, Akanbi Adeyinka, Obimakin Samuel, Alhaji Zakariyau Abdulyakeen, Bamidele Elufisan, Clement Kehinde and Akinyombo Seye.