A Nigerian Italian-based businesswoman, Tina Suyi, narrowly escaped death by whiskers in the wee hours of New Year’s 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.
The victim, Tina was said to have lost huge amounts 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 banging at the window, demanding entry into her apartment.
She was said to have refused to allow her estranged 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 apartment and 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 petro, 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.
“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 sustained injury as a result of the inferno and is 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 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.
“So because of his violent and overbearing character, I decided to quit the marriage that lasted less than 2 years.”
It was learnt that the police in Ekiadolor, have arrested the suspect, Osaro and his accomplice, one Odaro Oviarobo (Tina’s elder brother) over the incident.
During interrogation, it was gathered Osaro reportedly 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 (Osaro) payed Odaro N5,000 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.
Sources disclosed that Odaro harboured grievances against his sister, accusing her of withholding financial assistance despite constructing a hotel.
It was 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.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Edo State Command, SP Moses Yamu, confirmed the incident but said he had yet to speak to the Divisional Police Officer in Charge of the Ekiadolor Division for full details of the incident.
As of the time of filing the report, both Osaro and Odaro remain in police custody as investigations continue.
