The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested the son of a traditional ruler over the alleged setting ablaze of a resident accused of stealing firewood in Okodi community, Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Iyamah Edebor, confirmed the arrest on Sunday June 28, identifying the suspect as Ibobuminate Oweifa, a son of the community’s traditional ruler. According to Edebor, the victim, Godgift Biko, suffered severe burns and is currently receiving treatment at the emergency unit of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa.
Edebor said police officers responded promptly after receiving a distress call, with the Divisional Police Officer leading the operation that rescued the victim and arrested the suspect.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly claimed he caught the victim attempting to steal his firewood and that a confrontation between them escalated into the incident. However, the police said the suspect’s account represents only one side of the story.
The command confirmed that Oweifa remains in police custody while investigations continue, and assured that he would be charged to court upon the conclusion of the probe.
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