Kogi Man Douses Wife in Petrol, Sets Her Ablaze Over Old Clothes

​LOKOJA — Tragedy was narrowly averted in the Kogi State capital over the weekend as the police command confirmed the arrest of one Jacob Irewa for allegedly dousing his wife, Berida Irawo, in petrol and setting her on fire.

​The horrific incident, which detectives are treating as a case of attempted culpable homicide, occurred on Friday, August 14, 2026, within the Oworo Estate neighborhood of Felele, Lokoja.

​According to official police reports, local law enforcement received a distress call regarding the attack at approximately 8:30 p.m. Operatives from the B Division Surveillance Team in Felele swiftly mobilized to the scene, apprehending the suspect before he could flee.

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​Preliminary findings indicate that the brutal assault erupted from a routine domestic argument. The confrontation reportedly began after the victim discarded and burned a selection of her husband’s old garments—items she assumed he no longer needed—without seeking his prior consent.

​Investigators revealed that the argument quickly escalated when the suspect allegedly issued verbal threats, retrieved a container of fuel from his personal motorcycle, and poured it on his wife before igniting it.

​Miraculously, the victim survived the horrific ordeal. She was rushed to Honey Gold Hospital in Felele, where emergency medical personnel are currently treating her for severe burns.

​The Kogi State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Salisu Afusat, confirmed the development in a press statement released on Sunday.

​“The suspect, in his statement to the Police, admitted to setting his wife ablaze. The Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and gather further evidence,” ASP Afusat stated.

​Authorities have assured the public that a thorough probe is underway to ensure justice is served, while community members continue to reel from the shocking violence triggered by a domestic disagreement.