Army Confirms Officer’s Death in Domestic Fire; Wife Denies Intent, Claims Abuse!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

The Nigerian Army has confirmed that Lt. Samson Haruna died from injuries sustained in a domestic fire, while also shedding light on emerging claims by the suspect (his wife) that the blaze may have been accidental. [1]

What the Army Says

• In a statement, the Army’s Assistant Director of Public Relations, Captain Lawal Bala Muhammad, said Lt. Haruna suffered severe burns in the incident. [1]
• He was treated initially at the military medical facility before being evacuated to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) for further care. [1]
• Despite interventions, he later succumbed to his injuries. [1]
• The Army said it has launched an investigation to determine the full circumstances of what happened and pledged to make the results public. [1]

Wife’s Version & Counterclaims

• The wife, Mrs. Haruna, has denied intentionally setting her husband on fire. In an audio message that went viral, she claimed the fire was accidental, alleging that Lt. Haruna kicked a container of fuel during the dispute, causing it to spill and ignite. [1]
• – She also alleged that Mr. Haruna subjected her to domestic abuse, stating that prior to the fire, there had been a physical altercation and emotional distress. [1]
• Mrs. Haruna was arrested and remains in custody as authorities continue with the investigation. [1]

What Earlier Reports Said

• According to counter‑insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the incident occurred on September 22, 2025, at the Wellington Bassey Barracks in Ibagwa, Abak LGA, Akwa Ibom State. [2]
• Reports claimed that during the argument, Mrs. Haruna allegedly doused her husband with petrol (PMS) and set him ablaze. [2]
• Lt. Haruna, a medical doctor serving as Regimental Medical Officer (RMO) with the Army’s 6 Battalion, was transferred from the barracks’ Military Reference Section for further care at UUTH. [2]

Citations:

1. The Guardian Nigeria: guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/army-confirms-death-of-officer-in-domestic-fire-as-wife-alleges-abuse-denies-foul-play/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Africa Press Arabic: www.africa-press.net/nigeria/all-news/army-officer-killed-by-wife-in-akwa-ibom-fire-attack?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author