The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested the son of a traditional ruler in connection with the alleged burning of a resident accused of stealing firewood in Okodi community, Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Iyamah Edebor, confirmed the arrest on Sunday, identifying the suspect as Ibobuminate Oweifa, a son of the community's traditional ruler. He said the victim, Godgift Biko, sustained severe burns and is currently receiving treatment at the emergency unit of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa.
Edebor disclosed that police operatives responded swiftly after receiving a distress report, adding that the Divisional Police Officer led the rescue operation that saved the victim and facilitated the suspect's arrest.
“The DPO acted immediately by rescuing the victim, ensuring he received medical attention and taking the suspect into custody. Investigation has commenced and the suspect will be charged in court after its conclusion,” the commissioner said.
The police boss condemned jungle justice and other forms of unlawful violence, stressing that no individual has the right to take the law into his hands regardless of the circumstances.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly claimed he caught the victim attempting to steal his firewood and that a confrontation between them degenerated into the incident.
Police authorities, however, maintained that the suspect's explanation remained one side of the story, noting that investigators were working to establish the full facts surrounding the incident.
The command added that Oweifa remains in custody while investigations continue, assuring that appropriate legal action would follow once the probe is concluded.
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