A 30-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly stabbing his newlywed wife to death and setting their home on fire in Lagos State, Nigeria, police said Saturday.
The incident occurred Friday at Amazing Grace Estate in the Ikorodu area, following what authorities described as a heated argument between the couple.
Lagos State Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said in a statement that Motunrayo Olaniyi is accused of stabbing his 25-year-old wife, Olajumoke, multiple times before locking her in a room and setting it ablaze.
“Police from the Ikorodu Division responded to a distress call and extinguished the fire,” Hundeyin said. “They found Olajumoke’s lifeless body with abdominal wounds.”
Olaniyi reportedly inflicted minor wounds on himself after the attack. He was treated at a local hospital before being taken into police custody.
“A preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect stabbed his wife during the altercation,” Hundeyin added. The victim’s body has been transferred to Ikorodu General Hospital morgue for autopsy.
The case has shocked the local community and raised concerns about domestic violence. Adebayo Ogunlesi, a neighbor, told the Associated Press, “They seemed like a happy couple. This is devastating for everyone who knew them.”
As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with information to come forward. The incident highlights ongoing issues of domestic violence in Nigeria, where activists have long called for stronger legal protections for victims.
The suspect is expected to face charges of murder and arson. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment under Nigerian law.
