Authorities of the Bayelsa State Police Command have confirmed the arrest of an inspector, Sunday Idey, over the criminal assault against his three children over allegations of witchcraft.

The police authority also confirmed that the suspect will be subjected to a mental health evaluation to determine his status before being criminally prosecuted.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, Sanusi Mohammed, made this known in Yenagoa during a call on the command by members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) led by the Vice Chairman, Vivien Brisibe, and Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Bayelsa State Branch, Dr Boma Miebai.

Mohammed, while disclosing that though the embattled police inspector was an upright person before the dastardly act, noted that the case would not be swept under the carpet and the personnel will be diligently prosecuted.

Earlier, the Vice Chairman, NBA Yenagoa Branch, Vivien Brisibe, informed Mohammed that the incident of criminal assault against the children by the police inspector was worrisome and of great concern because he is a police officer and expected to protect the citizenry.

She called for quick and diligent prosecution of the police inspector, citing that his actions against his own children violated all extant laws in the country.

“He should be prosecuted and charged with the maximum sanctions. He should be charged with attempted murder. He should not be charged with a slap on the wrist.”

Also speaking, the Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Bayelsa State Branch, Dr Boma Miebai, expressed concern over the’welfare of the assaulted children, demanding that the children should not be handed to the family, as an NGO has offered to care for the troubled children.

Meanwhile, gender-based violence advocacy group, Do Foundation, has also called for the quick prosecution of the police inspector and care for the assaulted children.

The Do Foundation, in a letter of appreciation signed by the Founder and Team Leader, Dr Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry, and addressed to the State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, for his quick response during the incident, urged that the police are expected to prosecute and bring the offender to justice. (Daily Sun)