FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Italian-based business woman, Tina Suyi narrowly escaped death in the early hours of New Year day as her estranged husband, Osaro Ahunwan allegedly set her three-bedroom apartment ablaze.
The incident, which elicited condemnation from members of the public, occurred in Idumwonwina, near Oluku, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Suyi lost some money both in local and foreign currencies, as well as packages from her friends in Italy and loved ones in Nigeria to the inferno.
According to an eyewitness, Suyi, who returned to Nigeria on December 31, 2024, heard a loud bang on her window while coming out from the bathroom.
The eyewitness revealed that upon inquiry, she discovered that it was her estranged husband who banged the window, demanding entry into her apartment.
She was said to have refused to allow him into her apartment, claiming that their relationship had ended, as her family had returned her pride price since April 2024.
Ahunwan was said to have been infuriated by her refusal to allow him into her apartment and threatened to burn down the house alongside its occupants.
“Despite Suyi’s plea for him to leave the promises, he 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 Suyi’s octogenarian parents from the flames.
“It took the frantic efforts of men of the Edo State Fire Service to put out the fire,” the source said.
Suyi, who sustained injuries as a result of the inferno and currently receiving treatment, narrated that sometime in 2023, Ahunwan had threatened to kill her and himself.
According to her, “Ahunwan 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 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 two years.”
It was learnt that the police in Ekiadolor have arrested the suspect and his accomplice, Odaro Oviarobo (Suyi’s elder brother) over the incident.
During interrogation, the estranged husband reportedly confessed that Oviarobo, popularly known as ‘OD,’ provided him with detailed information about his sister’s return itinerary.
He was said to have admitted that Ahunwan paid him N5,000 for the information and that he had hidden in Odaro’s apartment with a container of petrol.
Oviarobo claimed that he provided the lighter used to ignite the fire on the apartment.
Sources disclosed that Oviarobo harboured grievances against his sister for allegedly withholding financial assistance despite constructing a hotel.
AljazirahNigeria gathered that Suyi had previously sponsored Oviarobo’s trip abroad in 2003, but he returned to Nigeria voluntarily after 10 years, leaving behind his partner and a baby girl.
When contacted, Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Yamu confirmed the incident, but said he is yet to speak to the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Ekiadolor Division for full details of the incident.
As at the time of filing this report, the suspects were still in police custody.
