A man, Keji Osunjirin, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has set his wife alight after pouring petrol he brought home in a jerry can on her.

The woman, Fatimo Osunjirin, died from her burns, neighbours said.

Family sources told PREMIUM TIMES that the husband arrived home late at night with a container of petrol, hours after they had a quarrel.

Neighbours claim Mr. Osunjirin attacked his wife after she refused his instructions not to attend a family party.

The man reportedly rushed his dying wife to the hospital after realising the havoc he caused, they said.

When our correspondent visited the hospital, family members of the deceased were seen in large numbers lamenting.

Mr. Osunjirin, who was sighted with her young daughter at the hospital, however explained that his action was not deliberate, relatives said.

He reportedly narrated that he mistakenly threw the petrol can on the wife after it caught fire in his own hands.

He said the petrol was meant for his generator.

The Ogun State Police Deputy Public Relations Officer, Abimbola‎ Oyeyemi, confirmed the incident, adding that the suspect has been arrested.