A Nigerian Italy-based businesswoman, Tina Suyi narrowly escaped death in the wee hours of Wednesday as her estranged husband, Osaro Ahunwan allegedly set her three-bedroom apartment ablaze in Edo State.
The incident which elicited condemnation from members of the public occurred at Idumwonwina, near Oluku in Ovia North-East local government area of the state.
Tina reportedly lost huge amount of money in local and foreign currencies, including packages sent by her friends in Italy to their loved ones in Nigeria to the inferno.
According to 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, the victim discovered it was her estranged husband, Osaro that banged the window, demanding entry into her apartment.
Tina however refused to allow Osaro into the apartment, claiming that their relationship had ended, as her family had returned her pride price since April, 2024.
Infuriated by his ex-wife's refusal to open the apartment, Osaro reportedly threatened to burn down the apartment and harm its occupants.
"Despite Tina's plea for him to leave the promises, Osaro 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 nonagenarian) from the flames.
"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.
Narrating her ordeals, Tina who also sustained injury as a result of the inferno and currently receiving treatment, narrated that sometime in 2023, Osaro had threatened to kill her and himself as well.
According to Tina,"Osaro destroyed my Lexus (330) Jeep, when we had misunderstanding. He like too much control, and very suspicious, even when I am out shopping, and he calls, as soon as he hears a male's voice, he would abuse me and call me names.
"So because of his violent and overbearing character, I decided to quit the marriage that lasted less than 2 years."
LEADERSHIP learnt that Police in Ekiadolor have arrested the suspect, Osaro, and his accomplice, one Odaro Oviarobo who is Tina's elder brother over the incident.
Osaro reportedly confessed during interrogation that Oviarobo, who is popularly known as "OD" provided him with detailed information about his sister's itinerary upon her arrival to the country.
He also admitted to pay Odaro ₦5,000 for the information and revealed that he had hidden in Odaro's apartment with the container of petrol.
He further claimed that the lighter used to ignite the fire was also supplied by Odaro.
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Sources disclosed that Odaro harbored grievances against his sister, accusing her of withholding financial assistance despite building a hotel.
Tina was also said to 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.
When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Edo State Command, SP Moses Yamu, although confirmed the incident, said he was yet to speak to the Divisional Police Officer in Charge of the Ekiadolor Division for full details of the incident.
As at the time of filing the report, both Osaro and Odaro remain in police custody as investigations continue.
