Police arrest pastor for setting wife ablaze
A 43-year-old cleric, Jacob Irewa has allegedly set his wife, Berida Irawo, ablaze at Oworo Estate in Felele, Lokoja, Kogi State.
The attack followed a domestic dispute after the victim burned some of her husband’s unused clothes without his permission.
The incident happened at about 8:30 p.m., on Friday, August 14, 2026.
A statement issued on Sunday in Lokoja by the spokesperson for the Kogi State Police Command, ASP Salisu Afusat, said Irewa has been arrested for alleged attempted culpable homicide.
Saliu said the victim, Mrs Berida Irawo, sustained injuries and was receiving treatment at Honey Gold Hospital, Felele.
She said operatives of the B Division Surveillance Team, Felele, responded to a distress report and arrested the suspect at the scene.
“Preliminary investigation by the police revealed that the altercation began after Mrs Irawo burnt some of her husband’s clothes without his consent.
“The disagreement escalated when the suspect allegedly threatened his wife, siphoned petrol from his motorcycle and proceeded to set her on fire.
“In his statement to the police, the suspect admitted to setting his wife ablaze,” Saliu said.
The police spokesperson said comprehensive investigations had begun to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and gather further evidence.
The police said the suspect would be charged to court for prosecution upon completion of the investigation.
The incident had sparked outrage, with residents and the victim’s family demanding justice.
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