The Kogi State Police Command has arrested a man, Jacob Irewa, for allegedly attempting to set his wife, Berida Irawo, ablaze during a domestic disagreement in Lokoja.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by its Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Afusat.
According to the statement, the incident reportedly occurred on Friday at about 8:30 pm at Oworo Estate, Felele, Lokoja.
“Operatives of the B Division Surveillance Team in Felele were alerted to the incident and quickly moved to the area, where they arrested the suspect,” the statement said.
The command said preliminary findings showed that the disagreement started after the victim allegedly burnt some of her husband’s clothes without his permission because she believed he was no longer using them.
The police alleged that the suspect became angry, threatened his wife, obtained petrol from his motorcycle and set her on fire.
The victim survived the attack and is currently receiving treatment at Honey Gold Hospital in Felele, Lokoja.
The police said the suspect admitted during a preliminary investigation that he had set his wife ablaze.
“The Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and gather further evidence,” the statement said.
The Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, condemned the incident and restated the command’s zero tolerance for violence, especially domestic violence.
He urged members of the public to resolve domestic disagreements through lawful means and avoid actions that could put lives at risk.
The police said the suspect would be charged to court after the completion of the investigation.