Police Nab Pastor for Allegedly Setting Wife Ablaze in Lokoja

The Kogi State Police Command has arrested a man, identified as Jacob Irewa, for allegedly setting his wife, Berida Irawo, ablaze following a domestic disagreement at Oworo Estate, Felele, Lokoja.

Irewa, who described himself in a video sighted by National Periscope as a teacher and pastor with Living Faith Church, popularly known as Winners’ Chapel, said he had the mandate to establish his own church.

The incident occurred on Friday after a disagreement between the couple, according to the police.

The Command said operatives of the B Division Surveillance Team, Felele, were alerted to the incident and quickly mobilised to the scene, where they arrested the suspect.

Preliminary investigations showed that the disagreement reportedly began after the victim allegedly burnt some of her husband’s clothes which she believed he was no longer using, without his consent.

The police alleged that Irewa became enraged, threatened his wife and subsequently obtained petrol from his motorcycle, poured it on her and set her on fire.

The victim survived the attack and is receiving treatment at Honey Gold Hospital, Felele.

In a video obtained after the incident, the suspect appeared to acknowledge setting his wife on fire. He described himself as a teacher and pastor in Living Faith Church, adding that he had the mandate to establish his own church.

While speaking about the incident, he blamed the devil for his action, saying he did not understand what came over him at the time.

The police said the suspect admitted during interrogation that he set his wife on fire, while investigations were continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, condemned the alleged attack and reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for domestic violence and other forms of violent crime.

Kankarofi urged couples and other members of the public to seek peaceful and lawful ways of resolving disagreements, warning against actions that could result in death or serious injury.

The Command said Irewa would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that suspects involved in violent crimes are brought to justice.