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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Man arrested for setting wife on fire in Kogi

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Under investigation
  • Police in Kogi State, Nigeria, arrested Jacob Irewa for allegedly setting his wife, Berida Irawo, on fire following a domestic dispute.
  • The incident occurred after the victim allegedly burned some of the suspect's clothes without his permission.
  • The victim survived and is receiving treatment; the suspect admitted to the act and will face charges upon investigation completion.

Authorities in Kogi State, Nigeria, have arrested Jacob Irewa in connection with an alleged attempted culpable homicide after he reportedly set his wife, Berida Irawo, ablaze. The incident took place at Oworo Estate, Felele, Lokoja, on Friday, August 14, 2026.

On Friday, 14th August 2026, at about 2030 hours, the B Division Surveillance Team, Felele, received a report of the incident and immediately mobilised to the scene, where the suspect was arrested.

— ASP Salisu AfusatThe police spokesperson details the immediate response to the reported incident.

According to a statement from the Kogi State Police Command's spokesperson, ASP Salisu Afusat, the arrest followed a report received by the B Division Surveillance Team. Preliminary investigations suggest the attack stemmed from a domestic disagreement. The victim had allegedly burned some of the suspect's clothes, believing he was no longer using them, without his consent.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the incident followed a domestic disagreement after the victim burnt some of the suspect’s clothes which she believed he was no longer using, without his permission.

— ASP Salisu AfusatThe police spokesperson explains the alleged cause of the domestic dispute.

In response, the suspect allegedly threatened his wife, obtained petrol from his motorcycle, and set her on fire. The police confirmed that the victim survived the ordeal and is currently undergoing treatment at Honey Gold Hospital in Felele. The suspect has reportedly admitted to the act in his statement to the police.

The suspect subsequently threatened her, fetched petrol from his motorcycle and proceeded to set her ablaze.

— ASP Salisu AfusatThe police spokesperson describes the alleged actions of the suspect.

Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, condemned the violence, emphasizing the command's zero tolerance for domestic violence. He urged the public to seek lawful means for resolving disputes and avoid actions that endanger lives. The police stated that a comprehensive investigation is underway, and the suspect will be charged to court for prosecution once the investigation is concluded.

The suspect, in his statement to the Police, admitted to setting his wife ablaze.

— ASP Salisu AfusatThe police spokesperson confirms the suspect's admission of guilt.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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