A 54-year-old Italy-based businesswoman Tina Uyi escaped death in the wee hours of New Year’s Day after her ex-husband, Osaro Ahunwan, 55, allegedly set her house ablaze in Edo State.
The incident occurred at Iduomwina Street, Off Tipper Road, in Isihor community, Benin city.
Tina sustained third-degree burns in the incident and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed private hospital in Benin city.
The victim was said to have lost her travel documents and a huge sum of money both in local and foreign currencies including packages from her friends in Italy to their loved ones in Nigeria to the inferno.
According to an eyewitness account, Tina who returned to Nigeria from her base in Italy on December 31, 2024, heard a loud bang on her window while coming out from the bathroom
The eyewitness revealed that upon inquiry, Tina discovered it was her estranged husband, Osaro who allegedly banged the window, demanding entry into her apartment.
She was said to have allegedly refused to allow her ex-husband into her apartment, claiming that their relationship had ended as her family had returned her bride price since April 2024.
Osaro was said to have been infuriated by Tina”s refusal to allow him into her house and allegedly threatened to burn down her apartment and harm its occupants
“Despite Tina’s plea for him to leave the promises, Osaro reportedly shattered the glass windows, doused the apartment with Petrol, and set it on fire through the help of a lighter and fuel, leaving the entire apartment completely razed.
“The inferno quickly engulfed the building, but neighbours intervened and successfully rescued Tina’s elderly parents (who are nonagenarians) from the flames,” the eyewitness narrated.
“It took the frantic efforts of men of the Edo State Fire Service to put out the flames that wreaked havoc before their arrival”, the source said.
Tina, who spoke to journalists from her hospital bed, narrated that sometime in 2023, Osaro had allegedly threatened to kill her and himself as well.
“Osaro destroyed my Lexus(330) Jeep when we had a misunderstanding. He likes too much control and is very suspicious; even when I am out shopping and he calls, as soon as he hears a male’s voice, he abuses me and calls me names,” she narrated.
“So because of his violent and overbearing character, I decided to quit the marriage that lasted less than 2 years”
It was gathered that the Police in Ekiadolor have arrested the suspect, and his accomplice, Odaro Ovia Robo (Tina’s elder brother), over the incident.
According to the publication, during interrogation, Osaro confessed that Tina’s elder brother, Odaro Oviarobo, popularly known as “OD,” provided him with detailed information about his sister’s (Tina) return itinerary.
He was said to have admitted that he paid Odaro N5,000 (Five Thousand Naira) for information and revealed that he had hidden in Odaro’s apartment with the container of petrol.
The suspect further claimed that the lighter used to ignite the fire was also supplied by Odaro.
Sources disclosed that Odaro harboured grievances against his sister, accusing her of withholding financial assistance despite constructing a hotel.
It was further gathered that Tina had previously sponsored Odaro’s trip abroad in 2003, but he returned to Nigeria voluntarily after 10 years, leaving behind his partner and a baby girl.
Since his return, he has reportedly been unemployed and reliant on Tina for financial support.
The spokesperson of the Edo State Command, SP Moses Yamu, confirmed the incident, adding that both Osaro and Odaro remain in police custody as investigation continues.
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