The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested the son of a traditional ruler in connection with the alleged burning of a man accused of attempting to steal firewood in Okodi Community, Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect, identified as Ibobuminate Oweifa, is the son of the traditional ruler of the community.
The victim, Godgift Biko, reportedly sustained severe burns during the incident and is currently receiving treatment at the emergency unit of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa.
Confirming the arrest on Sunday, the Commissioner of Police, Iyamah Edebor, said officers responded swiftly after receiving a report of the incident.
According to the police commissioner, the Divisional Police Officer rescued the victim, ensured he received immediate medical attention at a nearby health facility before he was transferred for further treatment, and subsequently arrested the suspect.
Edebor disclosed that a preliminary investigation had commenced, adding that the suspect would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the probe.
He condemned all forms of jungle justice and violence, stressing that the command would not tolerate acts capable of endangering human life.
During interrogation, Oweifa allegedly told investigators that he caught the victim attempting to steal his firewood and that a confrontation between them escalated into the incident.
The police, however, emphasised that the suspect’s account was only one side of the case and that investigations were continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The suspect remains in police custody pending the completion of the investigation and subsequent prosecution.