Obiozor Sunday Nwaka, a welder who tragically set his wife, Blessing Chioma Nwaka, on fire over suspected infidelity, has expressed remorse for his actions.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, 21st January 2025, in Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra.
Mr. Nwaka, currently in police custody, admitted to pouring petrol on his wife during a heated argument following her absence the previous day. He claimed that anger fuelled his actions and that he never intended to kill her.
“I never meant to kill her,” he tearfully stated to Mrs. Ify Obinabo, the State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare. He pleaded with his five sons for forgiveness.
However, contrary to claims from the deceased’s family and church members that she never reported domestic violence, evidence suggests a history of abuse.
A close friend of Mrs. Nwaka, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that the deceased had confided in her about Mr. Nwaka’s history of extreme violence, stating that this was not the first time he had threatened her life.
The incident, which resulted in the victim sustaining severe burns, gained widespread attention after a distressing video of her desperately seeking help while engulfed in flames circulated on social media. Tragically, Mrs. Nwaka succumbed to her injuries on Wednesday morning at a nearby hospital.
The Anambra State Government has condemned the heinous act and vowed to ensure that justice prevails. Speaking through Mrs. Obinabo, the government emphasised that the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo will not tolerate such violence and will pursue the full extent of the law against the perpetrator.
