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The Day Samson Signed His Death Certificate Instead of a Marriage Certificate
What was meant to be a celebration of love turned into a tragic story of pain and betrayal for a young military doctor, Lieutenant (Dr.) Samson Haruna, who was allegedly set ablaze by his wife barely five months after their wedding.
News Week Nigeria gathered that Lt. Haruna, a native of Jos in Plateau State, was among the new medical officers recruited into the Nigerian Army in 2024. Before his commissioning as a lieutenant, he had completed his medical studies and earned a reputation among colleagues as intelligent, disciplined, and deeply committed to national service.
A Promising Beginning
In April 2025, Haruna married his longtime partner, a nurse identified simply as Mrs. Haruna. Friends and family celebrated the wedding as a union of two promising young medical professionals serving in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
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However, barely five months later, tragedy struck.
The Deadly Disagreement
On September 22, 2025, at the Wellington Bassey Barracks in Ibagwa, Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, a heated argument reportedly erupted between the couple over allegations of infidelity.
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According to sources familiar with the incident, the disagreement escalated until Mrs. Haruna allegedly poured petrol on her husband and set him on fire.
Eyewitnesses said other officers and neighbours rushed to the scene and rescued Lt. Haruna, who was already severely burnt. He was first taken to the Military Reference Section (MRS) within the barracks, where doctors made frantic efforts to stabilise him.
He was later transferred to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) for specialised treatment, but despite all efforts by medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries.
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Service Cut Short
Until his death, Lt. Samson Haruna served as the Regimental Medical Officer (RMO) with the 6 Battalion of the Nigerian Army. His colleagues, who described him as gentle, dedicated, and patriotic, have been thrown into mourning.
One colleague said, “He was the type of officer the Army needed more of — disciplined, smart, and compassionate. His death is a huge loss.”
Wife in Custody
Following the incident, military police and local law enforcement apprehended Mrs. Haruna, who is also a nurse. She is reportedly in custody as investigations continue.
A police source confirmed that the case will be transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further inquiry and possible prosecution once preliminary investigations within the barracks are concluded.
Shock Across the Military Community
The shocking death of Lt. Haruna has sparked discussions within and beyond the military community about domestic violence, anger management, and emotional instability in marriages.
Many officers have described the tragedy as a wake-up call to the rising trend of domestic conflicts among young couples, even within uniformed services.
A senior officer who requested anonymity said, “The military teaches discipline, but we also need to teach emotional control. This is not just a criminal case — it’s a human tragedy.”
“The Day Samson Signed His Death Certificate”
Friends of the late doctor have since flooded social media with tributes, expressing disbelief that a relationship once filled with hope could end in such horror.
One close friend wrote:
“The day Samson signed his marriage certificate was the day he unknowingly signed his death certificate.”
For many, April 2025 — the month Samson and his wife exchanged vows — will forever remain a painful reminder of a love story that turned fatal.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities at the Nigerian Army 6 Division and the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have yet to release official statements on the case.
However, military insiders confirmed that the Nigerian Army has launched an internal review to determine whether disciplinary or criminal proceedings will follow.
