
The internet has been thrown into a frenzy following the circulation of a heartbreaking video showing the wife of the late Nigerian Army officer, Lieutenant Samson Haruna, tearfully denying allegations that she set her husband abl@ze during a domestic dispute in Akwa Ibom State. The tragic incident, which reportedly occurred last week, has sparked nationwide outrage, speculation, and mixed reactions from Nigerians both online and offline. In the trending video, the visibly shaken woman—whose identity has now been confirmed as Mrs. Blessing Haruna—broke down in tears as she recounted her version of the events that led to her husband’s untimely death. Contrary to widespread reports suggesting that she deliberately poured fuel on her husband and set him on fire, Blessing insisted she was innocent and claimed that the tragic fire outbreak was purely accidental.
According to her emotional narration, the argument that erupted between her and the late officer was indeed intense, but she never intended to harm him. She explained that her husband had returned home late that evening, visibly upset over a misunderstanding they had earlier in the day. “We were arguing, yes, but I would never hurt him,” she said in the video, her voice trembling. “People are saying I set him abl@ze. God knows I didn’t do that. The fire was not my fault.” She continued, explaining that during the heated exchange, a lantern that was lit near their doorway accidentally fell over, igniting a nearby curtain. In her words, “It all happened so fast. Before I knew it, fire had spread. He tried to put it out, but his clothes caught fire. I was screaming for help. I ran to get water, but it was too late.”
The video, which has been widely shared across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), has stirred a wave of reactions from Nigerians, many of whom have been divided over her claims. While some sympathized with her, insisting that the media had been too quick to label her a murderer without hearing her side, others maintained that her explanation did not add up. “If it was an accident, why did she run away at first?” one social media user questioned under a post on Instagram. Another commented, “Even if it was accidental, there’s no justification for a fight that ended like this. A life is gone, and the family will never be the same.”
Meanwhile, sources close to the late officer’s family have reportedly expressed doubt about her account. A family friend, who spoke to journalists under anonymity, alleged that the couple had a history of domestic quarrels and that neighbors had often intervened in their fights. “This is not the first time they’ve had a serious issue,” the source claimed. “He even complained to some of us that she had a temper. But we never thought it would get to this point.” However, another neighbor contradicted this narrative, insisting that the couple appeared peaceful most of the time. “They used to play together. You would never think they had problems. That’s why this incident shocked everyone,” the neighbor said.
The Nigerian Army, in a brief statement, has confirmed that investigations are ongoing to ascertain the true cause of the fire that led to Lieutenant Haruna’s death. A spokesperson for the Army stated that while preliminary reports suggested foul play, no official conclusion would be drawn until the investigation was completed. “The Nigerian Army condemns any act of violence, particularly those leading to loss of life. We are working closely with the police to uncover the truth behind this tragic incident,” the statement read.
As the story continues to unfold, the emotional weight of the tragedy has deepened with the discovery that the couple shared two young children. In her video, Mrs. Haruna broke down when she mentioned her kids, pleading with Nigerians to think about them before passing judgment. “People are saying terrible things about me. I am not a monster. My children have lost their father, and now everyone wants to take their mother too. Please, I didn’t kill my husband,” she cried. Her plea has evoked a strong emotional response from many viewers, with some calling for a fair investigation and others questioning the role of social media in spreading unverified claims that could destroy lives.
Legal experts have also weighed in on the issue, reminding the public that under Nigerian law, every suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty. One lawyer, Barrister Kingsley Odu, who spoke with Naija News, cautioned against what he termed a “digital mob trial.” He said, “The court of public opinion is not the same as a court of law. If this woman truly caused her husband’s death accidentally, she deserves to be heard. But if evidence proves otherwise, then justice must take its course.” His comments reflect the larger tension between emotion and objectivity that cases like this often stir in the public.
The late Lieutenant Samson Haruna, described by colleagues as a “disciplined and cheerful” young officer, was said to have served with dedication and honor until his death. His burial, which reportedly took place in his hometown earlier this week, was attended by several military personnel, friends, and family members. Videos from the burial show his fellow officers paying their last respects as his coffin, draped in the Nigerian flag, was lowered into the ground. The sight of his grieving parents and siblings moved many to tears, reinforcing the painful reality of a life cut short under tragic circumstances.
As Nigerians continue to grapple with the incident, the video of Mrs. Haruna’s tearful confession has not only reopened debates about domestic violence but also highlighted the dangers of quick online judgment. Some commentators have called for more awareness and counseling for couples in troubled relationships to prevent similar tragedies. Others have urged authorities to fast-track the investigation to bring clarity and closure to the case.
At the heart of the story lies a painful truth about love, anger, and the fragile line between misunderstanding and tragedy. Whether or not Mrs. Haruna’s claim of innocence is true, the fact remains that a promising officer is dead, a woman’s life is shattered, and two children are left in the middle of a storm that may follow them for years. The video has now become more than just a viral clip—it is a haunting reminder of how quickly lives can change, and how every story has more than one side.
As the investigation continues, Nigerians are watching closely, torn between sympathy and suspicion, hoping that justice—whichever way it falls—will finally bring peace to both the living and the dead.