Bayelsa State Police have arrested Mr Ibobuminate Oweifa, son of a traditional ruler, in connection with the Bayelsa burning arrest of a man accused of attempting to steal firewood

The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested Mr Ibobuminate Oweifa, 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.

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The victim, identified as Godgift Biko, sustained severe burns during the incident and is currently receiving treatment at the emergency ward of the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa.

Confirming the arrest in a telephone interview on Sunday 28 June 2026, the Commissioner of Police Iyamah Edebor said officers swiftly responded to the incident after it was reported.

The Divisional Police Officer immediately rescued the victim and ensured he received medical attention. “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 stated.

The police commissioner condemned all forms of violence and jungle justice, stressing that acts capable of endangering human life would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

During interrogation, Oweifa reportedly told investigators that he caught Biko attempting to steal firewood belonging to him, leading to an argument that escalated into the incident.

Police authorities emphasised that the suspect’s account represents only his version of events and that investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances.

This Bayelsa burning arrest has highlighted concerns about jungle justice in parts of the state, where frustration over theft and insecurity sometimes leads to extrajudicial actions.

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The suspect remains in police custody while investigations continue, after which he is expected to be arraigned in court.