Kogi State Police Command have arrested a man, Jacob Irewa, for allegedly attempting to set his wife, Berida Irawo, on fire during a domestic dispute in Lokoja. The command disclosed the arrest in a statement issued on Sunday by its Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Afusat.
According to the statement, the incident occurred on Friday at approximately 8:30 p.m. at Oworo Estate, Felele, Lokoja. Operatives of the B Division Surveillance Team in Felele responded to an alert and apprehended the suspect at the scene.
Preliminary findings indicate the disagreement began after the victim allegedly burnt some of her husband’s clothing without his permission, believing he no longer used the items. The suspect reportedly became enraged, threatened his wife, retrieved petrol from his motorcycle and set her ablaze.
The victim survived the attack and is currently receiving medical treatment at Honey Gold Hospital in Felele, Lokoja. During preliminary investigation, the suspect admitted to setting his wife on fire, the police said.
The command has commenced a comprehensive investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and gather additional evidence. Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, condemned the act and reiterated the command’s zero‑tolerance policy toward violence, particularly domestic violence. He urged members of the public to resolve domestic disagreements through lawful means and avoid actions that endanger lives.
The suspect will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.
