The Kogi State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Jacob Irewa for allegedly setting his wife, Berida Irewa, on fire following a domestic dispute in Lokoja.

The incident reportedly occurred on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Oworo Estate in the Felele area of the state capital.

According to the police, operatives of the B Division Surveillance Team, Felele, responded to a distress call concerning the incident at about 8:30 p.m. and arrested the suspect at the scene.

The command’s spokesperson, ASP Salisu Afusat, said preliminary investigations indicated that the incident followed an argument between the couple over household belongings.

The victim reportedly burned some of her husband’s old clothes after believing that he no longer used them. Police said the act allegedly angered Irewa, who subsequently threatened his wife.

The suspect allegedly obtained petrol from his motorcycle, poured it on his wife and set her on fire.

The woman survived the attack and was rushed to Honey Gold Hospital in Felele, where she is receiving treatment for her injuries. Honey Gold Hospital is a documented healthcare facility in Lokoja.

Police said the suspect allegedly admitted during preliminary questioning that he set his wife ablaze.

“The suspect, in his statement to the police, admitted to setting his wife ablaze,” ASP Afusat said.

The command said it has commenced a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and gather further evidence.

Irewa remains in police custody while investigations continue. The police said he is expected to face a charge of attempted culpable homicide after the conclusion of the investigation.

The allegation has not been tested in court, and the suspect remains presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

The incident has once again raised concerns about the escalation of domestic disputes into potentially fatal violence and the need for early intervention when conflicts within households become threatening.