The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a man, identified as Lawal Faruq, for allegedly setting his former girlfriend, Omolola Hassan, ablaze following a dispute that ended their relationship.
The incident occurred inside a military barracks in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, according to reports shared by security analyst and counterinsurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, on X (formerly Twitter).
Makama stated that the suspect claimed he and the victim had taken an oath never to separate but became enraged after their relationship broke down.
Faruq allegedly poured petrol on Hassan and set her on fire during a confrontation.
Witnesses said military personnel at the barracks quickly intervened, rescued the victim, and rushed her to Yawiri Hospital, Akobo, for treatment.
The suspect was subsequently apprehended and handed over to the police.
Confirming the incident on Thursday, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, Adewale Osifeso, said the case was under investigation.
“Investigation is ongoing,” Osifeso said in a brief message to our correspondent.
Incidents of violence linked to failed romantic relationships have been on the rise across Nigeria.
In July 2025, a student of the University of Port Harcourt, Cynthia Chukwundah, reportedly set her lover on fire during an argument over a pregnancy dispute. The victim later died from his injuries.
Similarly, in January 2023, a middle-aged man in Rivers State strangled and set his partner ablaze over alleged infidelity, while another man in Ogun State was arrested in April 2023 for burning down his ex-lover’s apartment after she refused to reconcile.
Security experts have repeatedly called for stronger awareness campaigns and legal measures to curb the rising trend of domestic and relationship-related violence in the country.