Jacob Irewa is accused of setting his wife, Berida Irawo, ablaze after a domestic disagreement in Lokoja
The Kogi State Police Command has arrested Jacob Irewa over an alleged attempt to set his wife, Berida Irawo, ablaze following a domestic disagreement at Oworo Estate, Felele, Lokoja, on Friday, August 14, 2026.
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The command said Irawo survived the alleged Kogi petrol attack and is receiving treatment at Honey Gold Hospital in Felele, while Irewa remains in police custody as investigators establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Salisu Afusat, disclosed the development in a statement on Sunday, saying officers attached to the B Division Surveillance Team, Felele, responded to a report of the incident at about 8.30pm.
According to Afusat, preliminary investigation indicated that the dispute began after Irawo burnt some of Irewa’s clothes without his permission because she believed he was no longer using them.
The disagreement allegedly escalated when Irewa threatened his wife, obtained petrol from his motorcycle and set her on fire.
Afusat said the suspect was arrested shortly after the surveillance team arrived at the scene.
She added that Irewa admitted during preliminary questioning that he had set his wife ablaze.
“The suspect, in his statement to the Police, admitted to setting his wife ablaze,” Afusat said.
The police spokesperson said the command had commenced a comprehensive investigation to establish the full circumstances of the incident and gather further evidence.
The case has also drawn a strong response from the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, who condemned the alleged attack and reaffirmed the command’s position against domestic violence.
Kankarofi urged residents to resolve domestic disagreements through lawful means rather than resorting to actions capable of causing serious injury or death.
The commissioner further directed that the suspect be prosecuted after the investigation is concluded.
The incident adds to concerns over domestic violence and the potentially devastating consequences of disputes within households.
While the police have described the allegation against Irewa as a criminal matter requiring investigation, the victim’s survival has allowed authorities to begin gathering evidence and establishing what led to the confrontation.
The Kogi State Police Command said it remained committed to protecting lives and property and ensuring that persons responsible for violent crimes are brought to justice.
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If the investigation establishes sufficient evidence, Irewa is expected to be charged before a court to face the allegations against him.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
