A 47-year-old vulcanizer, Saheed Ganiyu, is currently in detention at the Utako Division of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, accused of setting his girlfriend, Esther, on fire during a heated argument.
The incident occurred on December 29, 2024, at Jabi Motor Park in Abuja.

According to eyewitnesses, Ganiyu allegedly poured petrol on Esther and ignited a fire using a lighter. The victim suffered severe burns and was rushed to the National Hospital in Abuja, where she is currently battling for her life.
Ganiyu, however, denied the allegations, claiming that the fire was an accident.
In an interview, he explained that he had been trying to stop Esther from drinking alcohol, which she had been struggling with. He alleged that Esther had been taking Tramadol and drinking heavily and that he had tried to collect the bottle of alcohol from her.
“I didn’t pour petrol on her. It was the devil that turned things this way,” Ganiyu said. “Since she was hospitalized, despite my condition as a result of much beating, I have not felt well. I know that my life has been destroyed.”
Ganiyu claimed that he had been in a relationship with Esther since February 2024 and that he loved her dearly. He stated that he had been planning to marry her and that he wanted her to continue attending church.
“I didn’t pour petrol on her. It was the devil that turned things this way. Since she was hospitalized, despite my own condition as a result of much beating, I have not felt well. I know that my life has been destroyed.
“I appeal that I should be allowed to see her. I’m ready to marry her. Though I’m a Muslim, I want her to be going to church so that she can be transformed positively. She was already changing at a time when she started attending church,” he stated.
Esther’s uncle, Mr. Modaki Kofur, a retired Warrant Officer of the Nigerian Army, confirmed that Esther had been living with him before she moved out over two years ago.
He explained that Esther had suffered a deformity in her leg after falling during obstacles training when she was trying to join the Nigerian Navy.
Kofur stated that the family was struggling to pay for Esther’s medical treatment and that they were appealing for financial assistance. “The problem we have now is money to take care of her. We have spent a lot since the incident occurred, and we were told by the hospital that she may need to be there for two months,” he said.