Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old man, Ibobuminaten Oweifa, who is the son of the traditional ruler of Okodi Community in Ogbia Local Government Area, for allegedly setting a fellow community member ablaze following an accusation of wood theft. The shocking incident, which occurred on June 24, 2026, has sent waves of outrage through the community and raised fresh concerns about the persistence of jungle justice in the Niger Delta region.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Musa Mohammed, the command received a distress call about the incident and immediately mobilised personnel from the Otuokpoti Divisional Police Headquarters to the scene. Upon arrival, officers discovered that Oweifa had accused a resident, Godgift Biko, of stealing wood. The altercation rapidly escalated when the suspect allegedly produced fuel and a lighter, tied the victim's hands behind his back with a wire, doused him with the flammable liquid, and set him ablaze.
The victim sustained severe burns from the attack and was rushed to a nearby clinic in Okodi Community for emergency first aid treatment. His current medical condition has not been officially confirmed by hospital authorities, though police sources indicated that he was responding to treatment. A viral video circulating on social media reportedly showed the horrifying moment a man sprayed a substance believed to be fuel on another individual whose hands were tied behind his back before setting him on fire.
Confirming the arrest on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at a press briefing in Yenagoa, the Commissioner of Police, Iyamah Daniel Edebor, condemned all forms of violence and jungle justice. "Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer swiftly mobilised personnel and arrested the suspect," Edebor said. He assured that investigations into the incident are ongoing and that the suspect would be charged to court upon their conclusion.
The arrest of a traditional ruler's son in connection with such a brutal act has stunned the Okodi community. Concerned citizens have taken to social media, urging Governor Douye Diri to ensure that the suspect is brought to justice. Some residents have expressed fear that if such acts of cruelty and injustice are not adequately addressed, the people of Bayelsa State may question the effectiveness of legal governance.
The incident underscores the dangerous trend of mob justice and extrajudicial punishment that continues to plague communities across Nigeria, where residents often take the law into their own hands over perceived offences. Commissioner Edebor reiterated the command's commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to report criminal activities through appropriate channels rather than resorting to self-help. "The command condemned all forms of violence and jungle justice, assuring that the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations," he stated.
The suspect remains in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) as investigations continue. Police authorities have assured the public that the case will be diligently prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others who might consider taking the law into their own hands.
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