A 43-year-old clergyman, identified as Jacob Irewa, has been arrested by the Kogi State Police Command for allegedly setting his wife, Berida Irawo, ablaze following domestic dispute in Lokoja.
The incident occurred at about 8:30pm on Friday, August 14, at the couple’s residence in Oworo Estate, Felele, Lokoja.Kogi State Police said the dispute reportedly followed the woman’s burning of some of her husband’s clothes without his permission.
According to the police, Irewa allegedly fetched petrol from his motorcycle, poured it on his wife and set her on fire with matches.The suspect reportedly admitted to the act in his statement to investigators.
The victim survived the attack and is receiving treatment at the Honey Gold Hospital in Felele, Lokoja.
Police said Irewa is being investigated for attempted culpable homicide, and would be charged to court for prosecution, while further investigations are ongoing.
The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankorofi, condemned the incident and reiterated the Command ‘s zero tolerance for violence, particularly domestic violence.
He urged members of the public to seek lawful means of resolving domestic disputes and avoid actions capable of endangering lives.The police said the suspect would be charged to court for prosecution upon conclusion of investigation.
-9News Nigeria.
