Kogi State Police: Man Arrested for Setting Wife on Fire

• Jacob Irewa was arrested by the Kogi State Police Command for allegedly setting his wife on fire.
• The incident occurred on Friday, August 14, 2026, following a domestic disagreement over burnt clothes.
• Berida Irawo survived the attack and is currently receiving treatment at Honey Gold Hospital in Felele.
• The Commissioner of Police has condemned the incident and reiterated the command's zero tolerance policy towards violence.
• Jacob Irewa will be charged to court for prosecution upon conclusion of the investigation.

The suspect, in his statement to the Police, admitted to setting his wife ablaze.

The recent arrest of Jacob Irewa for allegedly setting his wife, Berida Irawo, on fire highlights the persistent issue of domestic violence in Nigeria. According to statistics, domestic violence is a leading cause of injury and death among women in the country. The Kogi State Police Command's zero tolerance policy towards violence, particularly domestic violence, is commendable, but more needs to be done to prevent such incidents. The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, has reiterated the command's commitment to protecting lives and property, ensuring that persons responsible for violent crimes are brought to justice.

On Friday, August 14, 2026, a domestic disagreement between Jacob Irewa and his wife, Berida Irawo, escalated into violence. According to preliminary investigation, the incident followed a dispute over clothes that Berida had burnt without her husband's permission. In a shocking turn of events, Jacob allegedly threatened his wife, fetched petrol from his motorcycle, and set her ablaze. Fortunately, Berida survived the attack and is currently receiving treatment at Honey Gold Hospital in Felele.

The incident has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015, which prohibits acts of violence against individuals. Lawyers are urging clients to be aware of their obligations under this law and to seek lawful means of resolving domestic disputes. The suspect, Jacob Irewa, will be charged to court for prosecution upon conclusion of the investigation. This incident serves as a reminder that domestic violence is a serious crime in Nigeria, and perpetrators must be held accountable.

Lawyers should note that this incident highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence in Nigeria, and practitioners may need to advise clients on their obligations under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015, which prohibits acts of violence against individuals.

Source: Original reporting via Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer