The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested Ibobuminate Oweifa, son of the traditional ruler of Okodi Community in Ogbia Local Government Area, for allegedly setting a suspected firewood thief ablaze.
The victim, identified as Godgift Biko, survived the attack and is currently receiving treatment at the emergency ward of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa.
Confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Iyamah Edebor, said officers acted swiftly after receiving information about the attack.
In a statement issued in Yenagoa, Edebor disclosed that the victim was initially rescued and rushed to a clinic in the community where he received first aid before being referred for further medical attention.
“The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) immediately swung into action and arrested the suspect. Preliminary investigation has commenced and, upon conclusion, the suspect will be charged to court,” the police commissioner said.
He stressed that the command strongly condemns all forms of violence, jungle justice and acts capable of endangering human life, warning residents against taking the law into their own hands.
Meanwhile, the suspect, Ibobuminate Oweifa, has offered his own account of the incident during police interrogation.
According to him, the victim was allegedly caught attempting to steal pieces of firewood belonging to him, leading to an altercation that escalated into the incident.
He claimed the confrontation got out of hand before Godgift Biko was set ablaze.
The shocking incident has sparked outrage among residents of the community, with many calling for justice.
Police authorities, however, emphasised that the suspect’s explanation represents only his version of events, stressing that investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The command added that Oweifa remains in police custody and will be prosecuted after the conclusion of investigations.
