The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested Ibobuminate Oweifa, the son of the traditional ruler of Okodi Community in Ogbia Local Government Area, over the alleged burning of a man accused of attempting to steal firewood.
The victim, Godgift Biko, reportedly suffered severe burns during the incident and is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa.
Confirming the arrest, the Commissioner of Police, Iyamah Edebor, said officers responded swiftly after the incident was reported, adding that the suspect was immediately taken into custody.
“The DPO immediately swung into action and arrested the suspect. Preliminary investigation has commenced and, upon conclusion, the suspect will be charged to court,” Edebor said.
The police commissioner condemned jungle justice and warned that acts of violence that endanger lives would not be tolerated.
During interrogation, Oweifa reportedly told investigators that he caught the victim trying to steal his firewood, claiming an argument broke out before the incident escalated.
However, the police stressed that the suspect’s account is only one side of the story, noting that investigations are still ongoing to determine exactly what happened.
The suspect remains in police custody and is expected to be arraigned in court after the investigation is concluded.
