‘Kind and compassionate’: Tributes flow for Brisbane man Stanley Obi after alleged petrol fire murder

Tributes have flowed for a Brisbane man who died from horrific injuries after allegedly being set alight by his ex-partner.

A Brisbane dad who died after his estranged partner allegedly doused him in petrol and set him alight has been remembered as a kind and compassionate man.

Nurse Stanley Obi, 33, succumbed to his horrific injuries on Thursday night as Queensland Police continue to unravel the circumstances that led to the fire at his New Beith home early that day.

Police allege Mr Obi was the victim of a suspected domestic violence attack by his ex partner, 31-year-old Sarah Mudge, who is alleged to have broken into the home before “throwing petrol around” and setting him alight.

The pair were estranged – and had previously applied for domestic violence orders against each other – while police confirmed custody proceedings involving children had been progressing.

Ms Mudge also died in Thursday morning’s fire.

Mr Obi’s colleagues launched a crowdfunding campaign for his family in the aftermath of the “harrowing” tragedy.

Organiser Jonathan Antonacci described Mr Obi as a work colleague and “dear friend”.

Sarah Mudge allegedly lit the blaze which killed them. Picture: News Corp Australia

“Stanley will be remembered as a very kind compassionate young man. RIP Stanley,” he posted.

“I think you can appreciate the emotional trauma, and that these funds will be used to assist this family with whatever they need to get them re-established.”

The Nigerian Community Association of Queensland released a statement expressing “profound sadness”.

“As a community, we are rallying together to provide support where we can to Mr Obi’s family and members of our community,” the group said.

“Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to the families in Australia and overseas.”

Mr Obi is said to have suffered severe burns to 90 per cent of his body, with police confirming his death 17 hours after he was injured.

Three children aged 5, 3 and 2 managed to escape the blaze, while a 30-year-old woman – understood to be Mr Obi’s new partner – also survived the incident without major physical injury.

The couple had only just moved into the Bidyan Boulevarde home.

The police investigation is ongoing.

Sarah Mudge and Stanley Obi had previously been in a relationship. Picture: Facebook

The house fire at New Beith, near Brisbane, on Thursday morning. Picture: via 7 News

According to his LinkedIn profile, Mr Obi was a registered nurse and had worked as a care manager for retirement home operator Aveo at Newstead for the past two years.

His colleagues on Friday awoke to news he had died and immediately started the fundraiser for his children with an initial $20,000 target.

“It was supposed to be a day to mark the beginning of a new chapter, having won custody of his children and guardianship of a third,” organiser and Aveo employee Mr Antonacci said.

“This harrowing experience, the description of events now being fully reported in the media, for this beautiful young family has prompted me to begin this campaign.”

Mr Obi had been living at the New Beith home for about six months after purchasing the land in 2019.

Police are investigating the fire. Picture: Supplied

While the investigation is in its early stages, police understand that Ms Mudge doused Mr Obi and his partner in a flammable substance before setting them alight in a bedroom.

Police confirmed the incident was being investigated as a potential domestic violence crime.

Just weeks before, Ms Mudge had posted a chilling message on Facebook under the heading “Relationship Rules”.

“She’s not toxic bro,” she wrote.

“You made her like that. Now you think she is crazy.

“Your decisions reflect her actions. Check yourself.”

Superintendent Mark White on Thursday said police had previous contact with Mr Obi and his ex-partner in relation to domestic violence incidents – including cross-applications – though this had been outside the Logan area.

The superintendent also said he understood proceedings had been under way between Mr Obi and his ex-partner relating to the custody of the children.

Stanley Obi died in the fire.

“Police have had contact with the male victim and ex-partner in relation to domestic violence incidents and that will form part of our investigations,” Superintendent White said.

“We do believe there were proceedings that had been progressing around the custody of the children.

“There wasn’t specific concerns around specific threats. There were, in one instance, some cross applications … and they were made privately.”

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Friday said it was an absolute tragedy Mr Obi had died.

“To wake up and hear that news is devastating,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Domestic and family violence has to stop. There are far too many tragedies. We need a society that values equality, that is respectful.”

A coronial investigation will be conducted into the incident.