A 33-year-old man, Jacob Irewa, who allegedly set his wife ablaze during a domestic dispute has been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police, Kogi State command.
The incident according to the Police Public Relations Officer for the Kogi State command, ASP Afusat Saliu occurred on Friday, August 14, 2026 at Oworo Estate, Felele, Lokoja, the state capital.
The police in a statement on Sunday in Lokoja, stated that the victim, Mrs Berida Irewa, sustained injuries and was receiving treatment at Honey Gold Hospital, Felele.
ASP Saliu said operatives of the B Division Surveillance Team, Felele, responded to a distress report and arrested the suspect at the scene.
Saliu said that police preliminary investigation revealed that the altercation began after Mrs Irawo burnt some of her husband’s clothes without his consent.
According to the spokesperson of the police; “The disagreement escalated when the suspect allegedly threatened his wife, siphoned petrol from his motorcycle and proceeded to set her on fire”.
Saliu further said that the suspect admitted to setting his wife ablaze, adding that comprehensive investigations had begun in order to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The police stated that Irewa would be charged to court with attempted culpable homicide after the conclusion of investigations.
The police command in Kogi State reassured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property and bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice.
The command also urged community members to report cases of domestic abuse promptly to prevent their escalation.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police for Kogi State command, CP Naziru Kankarofi, condemned the attack which he described as “barbaric and unacceptable”.
Kankarofi reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for violence, particularly domestic violence, thus urged residents to resolve disputes through lawful channels.
In the words of Kankarofi; “The command will not condone any action capable of endangering lives. We encourage citizens to seek peaceful and legal means of settling disagreements”.
