The Kogi State Police Command has arrested a man, Jacob Irewa, for allegedly dousing his wife, Berida Irawo, with petrol and setting her on fire following a domestic dispute in Lokoja.
The incident occurred on Friday, August 14, 2026, at about 8:30 p.m. at Oworo Estate, Felele, in the state capital.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the command’s spokesperson, ASP Salisu Afusat, said operatives of the B Division Surveillance Team, Felele, responded swiftly after receiving a report and arrested the suspect at the scene.
According to her, preliminary investigation showed the attack was triggered by an argument after the wife burnt some of her husband’s clothes which she believed he was no longer using.
“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,” Afusat stated.
“The suspect subsequently threatened her, fetched petrol from his motorcycle and proceeded to set her ablaze.”
The police said the victim survived the attack and is currently receiving treatment at Honey Gold Hospital, Felele.
Afusat added that the suspect admitted to the act in his statement to the police. He is being held for alleged attempted culpable homicide.
“The Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and gather further evidence,” she said.
The police urged residents to seek peaceful resolution of domestic conflicts and report cases of violence to the nearest police station.
