The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a man, Lawal Faruq, for allegedly setting his former lover ablaze after their relationship turned sour.
The incident reportedly occurred at a military barracks in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
A counterinsurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, who shared details of the case on X, revealed that the suspect claimed he and the victim had previously taken an oath never to separate.
However, things allegedly took a violent turn after the relationship broke down. Enraged, the suspect was said to have poured petrol on the woman and set her on fire.
According to Makama, “The victim, Omolola Hassan, was reportedly doused with petrol and set on fire by the suspect, who was said to have been angered over the breakdown of their relationship.
“According to witnesses, military personnel at the barracks quickly intervened and extinguished the fire before rushing the victim to Yawiri Hospital, Akobo, for medical treatment.
“The suspect, who claimed that both had taken an oath never to separate, is currently in custody.”
Following the incident, military operatives reportedly rescued the woman, rushed her to the hospital, and arrested the suspect.
When contacted on Thursday, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the incident, saying, “Investigation is ongoing.”
Cases of violence resulting from failed romantic relationships have been on the rise across Nigeria.
In July 2025, a University of Port Harcourt student, Cynthia Chukwundah, reportedly set her lover ablaze during an argument over a pregnancy dispute. The victim later died.
Similarly, in January 2023, a middle-aged man in Rivers State strangled and set his lover on fire over alleged infidelity, while in April 2023, another man in Ogun State was arrested for burning down his ex-lover’s apartment after she refused to reconcile.
These incidents highlight a growing trend of domestic violence linked to emotional, psychological, and financial distress in relationships across the country.
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