The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 300-level student of the University of Port Harcourt, Cynthia Chukwundah, for allegedly setting her lover ablaze during a heated altercation in Choba, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.
The tragic incident, which occurred on Sunday, reportedly stemmed from a disagreement over a pregnancy dispute.
The victim, identified as 32-year-old Sunny Amadi, later died from injuries sustained in the fire.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, the command confirmed that the incident took place at No. 11B Okoro Street, Choba, Port Harcourt.
The statement noted that Chukwundah allegedly set fire to Amadi during a confrontation in their private apartment.
The victim was rushed to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, but later died while receiving treatment.
Police detectives from the Choba Division were said to have visited both the crime scene and the hospital immediately after receiving the report around 11:12am.
The police spokesperson added that the suspect, who is heavily pregnant with the deceased’s child, sustained burn injuries in the incident and is currently receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital under police supervision.
Iringe-Koko stated that due to her critical medical condition, Chukwundah has yet to provide a full statement, but would do so as soon as her condition stabilises.
The police said the cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, and investigations are ongoing.
Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, has urged the public to remain calm, assuring that a thorough investigation will be conducted and justice served in the matter.
