Fresh revelations have emerged in the controversial death of Lieutenant Dr. Samson Haruna, a Regimental Medical Officer with the Nigerian Army’s 6 Battalion, who died after suffering severe burns during a domestic altercation with his wife, Retyit Dalong Haruna, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The late Haruna, a 35-year-old medical doctor and officer described by colleagues as “calm, disciplined and focused,” succumbed to his injuries on October 6, 2025, barely two weeks after the tragic incident that occurred in their home on September 22, only five months into their marriage.

A Viral Audio and a Widow’s Defence
A new twist surfaced this week when a tearful audio recording believed to be that of Mrs Haruna surfaced on social media. In it, she denied deliberately setting her husband ablaze.

“It was never intentional,” she said. “He kicked the gallon of petrol during our argument, and the fuel spilled everywhere.”

Her version of events directly contradicts eyewitness accounts and early police findings suggesting she poured petrol on her husband before igniting him in a fit of rage.

Army and Police Launch Joint Investigation
Security sources confirmed that a joint police-military inquiry panel has begun reviewing forensic evidence, witness statements, and digital records surrounding the incident.

“This is a delicate matter involving a serving officer,” a senior army officer at the 6 Battalion, Wellington Bassey Barracks told NewsmakersNG. “The army is cooperating fully with the police to ensure that facts are properly established.”

Although the Army Headquarters has yet to issue an official statement, insiders suggest that disciplinary and legal actions will follow the panel’s report.

Who Was Lt. Samson Haruna?
Born in Plateau State, Haruna’s journey reflected quiet ambition. After graduating from the University of Jos with a degree in Medicine, he joined the Nigerian Army in 2024 as a commissioned officer.

Former classmates at Army Day Secondary School, Ibadan, remembered him as humble, brilliant, and purposeful.

“Samson was never aggressive,” a classmate recalled. “He wanted nothing more than to serve humanity as a doctor.”

His former teacher, Mr Adeyemi Alimi, described him on social media as “a brilliant, ambitious, cheerful and loyal student.”

The Woman at the Centre of the Storm
Investigations reveal that Mrs Retyit Haruna works as a nurse at an undisclosed medical facility in Uyo and has been active on TikTok under the handle @rhetieo, where she occasionally posted about her professional life. Digital traces also link her to a military clinic in Akwa Ibom.

The couple married on April 17, 2025, but neighbours said their relationship was rocky. Some recalled loud arguments; others remembered hearing screams and scuffling on the night of the fire.

A Marriage Cut Short

Family members say Haruna’s relatives were devastated. His elder brother, Dauda David Haruna, confirmed that the widow remains in military custody, though it is unclear if she has been officially charged.

A close associate of the deceased hinted at inconsistencies between her narrative and the forensic evidence, but declined to elaborate, citing the ongoing probe.

Echoes of a National Concern
The case has reignited debate on domestic violence, mental health among security personnel, and the strain of dual-career marriages in Nigeria’s armed forces. Social commentators have urged transparency to prevent speculation and restore public confidence in the justice process.

On X (formerly Twitter), one of Haruna’s friends, Dr Bilyaminu Dakat (@Bilyamin_Dakat), wrote: “Haruna got her a job, treated her well. He didn’t deserve this.”

Unanswered Questions
Was the fire a tragic accident, a sudden burst of rage, or a calculated act of murder?

For now, only the ongoing joint investigation can uncover the truth behind the flames that claimed the life of Lt. Samson Haruna – a promising doctor, a newly-wed soldier, and yet another casualty in the growing tragedy of domestic violence in Nigeria

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