Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja, Nigeria — A 47‑year‑old vulcaniser, identified as Saeed (Saheed) Ganiyu, was arrested by police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) following a harrowing incident in which his partner was set on fire during what authorities describe as a domestic dispute at the Jabi Motor Park area of Abuja. The dramatic episode, which occurred on December 29, 2025, has shocked residents and reignited concerns over domestic violence and public safety in the nation’s capital.
According to multiple reports from local media and eyewitness accounts, Ganiyu allegedly poured petrol on his 32‑year‑old lover, Esther, before igniting flames that engulfed her. The motive for the attack is believed to have stemmed from a dispute earlier in the day when Ganiyu saw Esther consuming local gin — commonly known as ogogoro — after she had told him she was going to church. This reportedly angered him and led to a confrontation at the motor park.
Chaos erupted at the scene as onlookers witnessed the violent altercation. Some members of the public attempted to intervene as Ganiyu was nearly lynched by a mob furious at the apparent violence. Promptly, security operatives intervened to rescue him from the crowd and took him into custody, averting what could have been a fatal beating by the enraged crowd.
Emergency responders rushed Esther — who suffered extensive burns — to the National Hospital, Abuja, where she is receiving treatment for her injuries. Authorities have not publicly released updates on her current condition, but reports indicate that the severity of her burns required urgent medical care.
Ganiyu, originally from Oyo State and commonly described in reports as a vulcaniser working in the FCT, was detained at the Utako Police Division following the incident. Law enforcement sources say he remains in custody as investigators continue their inquiries, with charges anticipated once preliminary investigations conclude.
In statements to journalists at the police station, Ganiyu offered his version of events, claiming the fire was accidental. He asserted that he had earlier given Esther money — reportedly N200 as a church offering and N2,500 for food — before confronting her about her drinking. During the struggle, he said he had petrol on his person for another purpose, and that when he was lighting a cigarette, the petrol inadvertently ignited, causing the fire to spread to Esther’s clothing.
Ganiyu maintained that he did not intentionally set her ablaze, claiming the incident occurred amid a struggle and misunderstanding. He also reportedly expressed affection for Esther and even stated a desire to marry her despite the ordeal — a claim that has been met with scepticism given the gravity of the injuries she sustained.
Eyewitnesses at the motor park, however, have disputed the suspect’s account. According to people present during the incident, the flames were the result of deliberate actions during a heated argument rather than an accidental ignition. This version of events has been echoed by community members who saw the confrontation unfold at close quarters.
Domestic abuse and violence-related incidents continue to draw national attention in Nigeria, where such cases often highlight broader issues of gender‑based violence, alcohol misuse, and community safety. While comprehensive national statistics are limited, police and human rights groups have raised ongoing concerns about the prevalence of violent altercations in both private and public settings. Advocates have called for intensified awareness campaigns, stronger enforcement of existing laws, and better support systems for victims of domestic violence. In some high‑profile cases, similar violent acts have resulted in community outrage and renewed calls for accountability and protective measures.
The FCT Police Command has yet to issue a detailed official public statement on the Jabi Motor Park incident, but sources within the force indicate that investigators are compiling evidence and witness testimonies as part of their probe. Charges are expected to be preferred against Ganiyu once the investigation is completed.
The case has also sparked conversation about public safety in motor parks and other busy urban spaces in Abuja, where disputes can quickly escalate in the presence of large crowds. Recent security operations by the FCT authorities, including the ongoing Operation Sweep aimed at curbing criminal activity across key areas such as motor parks, markets and public transport hubs, highlight a broader effort to maintain order and prevent violent outbreaks.
As Ganiyu awaits legal proceedings, and with the victim still hospitalised, the incident underscores the urgent need for effective mechanisms to address domestic disputes before they turn deadly. Advocates for victims of domestic violence suggest that improvements in conflict resolution support, mental health services, and public awareness are essential in preventing similar tragedies. They also stress the importance of timely police engagement in domestic conflict scenarios to deter escalation and protect vulnerable individuals.
For now, the community at Jabi Motor Park and surrounding neighbourhoods remains deeply affected by the disturbing events of late December. As investigations continue and the legal process unfolds, many residents are calling for justice for Esther and broader action to address the underlying causes of such violent confrontations in public spaces.
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