An Italy-based businesswoman, Tina Uyi, narrowly escaped death after her estranged husband, Osaro Ahunwan, 55, has allegedly set her apartment ablaze in Edo State.
The estranged husband, Osaro, and his accomplice Odaro Oviarobo, Tina’s elder brother, have been arrested by the police.
Metro and Crime gathered that the incident happened in Idumwonwina, near Oluku, Ovia North-East LGA of the state.
It gathered that the victim sustained injuries and lost money both in local and foreign currencies including packages her friends in Italy gave her for onward delivery to their loved ones in Nigeria to the inferno.
It was gathered that Tina arrived in Nigeria from her base on December 31, 2024, and she heard banging on her window and upon inquiry, she discovered that it was her estranged husband, Osaro, who was demanding entry into her apartment.
She was said to have reportedly refused to allow him in, saying “their relationship had ended and that her family had returned her bride price since April 2024.
The development was said to have infuriated Osaro who allegedly threatened to burn down her apartment and harm its occupants.
A witness said despite Tina’s plea for him to leave the premises, Osaro reportedly broke the window class, doused the apartment with petrol, and set it on fire, leaving the apartment in ruins and injuring the victim.
It was further gathered that Tina’s aged parents were rescued by neighbours before the men of the Edo State Fire Service arrived to put out the fire.
Speaking with journalists from her hospital bed, Tina said sometime in 2023, her estranged husband had threatened to kill her and himself as well.
She said she decided to quit the marriage that lasted less than two years because of his (Osaro’s) violent and overbearing character.
It was also learnt that operatives of the Ekiadolor, division have arrested the suspect, and his accomplice, Odaro Ovia Robo (Tina’s elder brother) over the incident.
It was also gathered that Osaro allegedly confessed that Tina’s elder brother, Odaro Oviarobo, provided him with detailed information about his sister’s return itinerary and that he (Osaro) was to pay Odaro N5000 for the information.
When contacted, the Edo State Command’s spokesman, CSP Moses Yamu, while confirming the incident, said two suspects had been arrested and were in police custody.
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