Saheed Ganiyu, a 47-year-old vulcaniser, currently sits in detention at Utako Division of the FCT Police Command. Authorities accuse him of setting his girlfriend, Esther, ablaze in a bizarre incident that has left Nigerians reeling. Police say this tragic event underscores the thin line between love and violence, as the lady gets burnt for love.
On December 29, 2024, a distress call from Jabi Motor Park alerted the FCT Police Command. Commissioner Olatunji Disu dispatched a patrol team to the scene. The officers arrived to find a mob beating Saheed, while Esther lay unconscious, engulfed in severe burns. The police quickly evacuated both to the National Hospital, Abuja.
Witnesses recounted a heated argument between Saheed and Esther, which escalated into violence. Saheed, holding a plastic bottle containing petrol, allegedly poured the fuel on Esther and ignited it with a lighter. Esther’s dress caught fire, causing severe injuries, as bystanders rushed to extinguish the flames. Saheed, beaten by the mob, also sustained injuries before police intervention.
Saheed’s defense as Esther is burnt for love
Saheed, a native of Ibadan, Oyo State, denies intentionally setting Esther ablaze. He claims the incident was an accident caused by a lit cigarette. “Esther is my love. I didn’t mean to harm her,” he said. Saheed alleges that petrol dripped from a bottle under his arm during their scuffle, soaking Esther’s dress. He insists he was trying to stop her from drinking alcohol, a habit he disapproved of.
“I love Esther deeply. I’ve always cared for her, even with her leg deformity. She means everything to me,” Saheed added. He recounted how he bought her gifts and supported her despite her struggles with addiction. Saheed expressed regret, describing the incident as the devil’s handiwork.
Esther remains in critical condition at the National Hospital, after she was burnt for love. Her uncle, Modaki Kofur, a retired Warrant Officer, revealed her deformity stemmed from an accident during Navy recruitment training. “She’s in a terrible state. We need financial help for her treatment,” Kofur pleaded. He criticized Saheed for failing to provide additional support, despite being the cause of her injuries.
Triggers to violence
Amina Yusuf, a clinical psychologist, describes it as another case of love-related violence. She blames such incidents to unresolved anger and toxic relationships. She also emphasized the need for anger management and healthy conflict resolution. “This tragedy underscores the importance of mental health awareness and relationship counselling,” she said.
Neighbours described Saheed as caring but noted his frustration with Esther’s drinking habits. Samuel Olaniyi’s sociological view is that the societal pressures and financial instability as potential triggers for violence in relationships. “When emotions run high, unresolved issues can escalate into tragic outcomes,” he explained.
The law in Nigeria treats acts of violence with utmost seriousness. According to Section 315 of the Criminal Code, causing grievous harm with intent is punishable by life imprisonment. Legal experts argue that Saheed’s intent will determine his culpability. “Even if accidental, negligence leading to harm attracts severe penalties,” said Funke Adebayo, a legal analyst.
Incidents rising
Incidents of love-related violence have reportedly been on the rise in recent times. In 2019, a man in Lagos set his partner ablaze over allegations of infidelity. According to Rachel Donald, “To survive together, we must accept the interplay, and choose how best to love one another in a violent world.”
Globally, cases of domestic violence highlight the universal challenge of addressing relationship-related crimes. According to UNICEF, “Violence Against Women and Girls is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in the world. One in three women experience physical, sexual or intimate-partner violence; are victims of trafficking, or are subject to violent social norms.” In the United States, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides robust frameworks to protect victims and prosecute offenders.
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