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Summary
A user on X (formerly Twitter) shared a vindicating account on the case of Lt. Samson Haruna, a military officer, revealing that he allegedly tried to set his wife, Retyit Haruna, on fire. Still, the act backfired, leading to his own death. This statement aligns with new testimonies, after rigorous investigation, Retyit is declared innocent in the military in Mr Haruna’s death case.
Claim
On October 8, 2025, Eneegmanuelllll tweeted on X (formerly Twitter) on a post by an entertainment blogger, YabaLeftOnline, that “He killed himself. His plans to set his wife on fire backfired, and he was the one who caught fire instead. Neighbours also testified to his previous domestic violence. The poor, innocent woman has been released.” The tweet has 510 comments, 4 million views, 21k reposts, and 192k likes.
This development highlights the dangers of misinformation, misogyny and gender bias in online discourse, where women are often presumed guilty before investigations are concluded.
NFM Checks
Mr Haruna, a lieutenant, was a medical officer at the 6 Battalion, Wellington Bassey Barracks, Ibagwa, Abak Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom, and was married to Retyit since April 2025. The incident occurred on September 22, five months after their marriage.
The marriage has since then been known for recurring domestic abuse, according to Retyit’s testimonies and other eyewitnesses at the Barracks.
News reports in October 2025 confirm that Lieutenant Samson Haruna died from severe burns sustained during a domestic incident at his home in Akwa Ibom. Two conflicting accounts emerged on social media: one alleging the wife intentionally set her husband on fire with petrol, and the other claiming it was an accidental fire, as stated by the wife.
Meanwhile, the wife of the late officer has spoken out through an audio clip following her husband’s death from severe burns allegedly sustained during a domestic dispute, stating that the incident was not intentional. In her statement, she mentioned her husband kicked a gallon of fuel, causing it to spill. Her husband had threatened to set her ablaze if her parents did not come to take her home.
She was also being subjected to domestic violence by the deceased, which led to a miscarriage. She further mentions that her late husband, on the sickbed at the University of Uyo teaching hospital, pleaded with her to drop the case.
Retyit’s brother, Pastor Mwoltok Benjamin Dalong, has come forward to clear his sister’s name, stating she’s innocent and placing the blame on the deceased, Lt. Haruna, according to a report from the source.
The Nigerian Army has also declared Retyit free and innocent of this tragic incident.
Experts speak
A feminist and psychologist, Purity Daniels, gave more context to this case:
“This is first and foremost a domestic-violence tragedy. The testimonies revealed concerning this issue show there has been a long history of domestic violence and threats in the home. This case exposes how gender-based violence often goes unnoticed until it turns fatal. This should remind us that domestic abuse is not a private issue, it’s a national emergency requiring protection and justice for survivors”.
Another woman advocate, Thelma Ibegbulam, sadly mentions that it is an unfortunate incident and should open the eyes of other abusive marriages to rewrite their wrongs before it is too late. “If they can’t, separation from both parties is better than had I known,” she said.
Social Media Users React
The claim by Eneegmanuelllll has also generated various conflicting arguments online, with many X users agreeing with the statement.
“The misogynists are still arguing because they can’t hide their hate for women. Meanwhile, thousands of women are dying from domestic violence compared to men,” Aisosa commented!
Another user counter explained that, “She was only released because that nasty man admitted it on his deathbed. Imagine he had died without saying anything? They were already pairing a narrative about her. Nigeria is a scary place sha.”
In addition, Donna expressed deep concern, “All the endless stories about domestic violence against women by their partners. The stats don’t lie; the most dangerous place for a woman is in her own home. If this guy had burnt his wife, they would say nothing or ask what she did to provoke him.”
Conclusion
Ms Retyit Haruna is innocent. The claim that she was the victim and not her dead husband is true. This tragic case should raise broader conversations about domestic abuse. Media responsibility and how easily public judgment can destroy women’s lives.
Naija Feminists Media is committed to fighting gendered disinformation and misinformation that concerns women.
