The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 300-level student of the University of Port Harcourt, Cynthia Chukwundah, who allegedly set her lover ablaze during a domestic dispute at a private residence in Choba, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
The disturbing incident occurred on Sunday, reportedly following a heated argument between the two over a pregnancy-related issue.
The victim, identified as 32-year-old Sunny Amadi, later died from severe burns he sustained in the fire.
According to reports, the argument escalated quickly, leading Cynthia to allegedly douse Sunny in a flammable substance and set him on fire. Both parties suffered burns in the process.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, the spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident and provided details on the ongoing investigation.
“The Rivers State Police Command is aware of and deeply concerned about a circulating social media report depicting a fire incident that occurred at No. 11B Okoro Street, Choba, Port Harcourt,” the statement read.
“According to the report, one Cynthia Chukwundah, a 300-level female undergraduate student of the University of Port Harcourt, allegedly set her boyfriend, one Saint Sunny Amadi, a 32-year-old male from the Elibrada Community in Emohua LGA, ablaze in a room, resulting in severe injuries during the inferno.
“He was rushed to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) for medical treatment. Upon receiving the report at about 1112 hours, Police detectives from the Choba Division promptly visited the scene and the victim at the hospital, who was in critical condition. Unfortunately, the victim later succumbed to injuries and died while on admission.”
Iringe-Koko further revealed that the suspect, who is reportedly pregnant with the deceased’s child, is currently under police watch at an undisclosed hospital, where she is receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the fire.
She added, “The Police have located Cynthia, who is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital due to injuries she also sustained during the incident. She is also heavily pregnant with the deceased’s child.
“Due to her critical condition, she is unable to provide a detailed account of the incident, but will do so when her condition is stable.
“The probable cause of the fire incident is yet to be ascertained, and a thorough investigation has been launched to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
In response to the tragic event, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, called for calm and assured the public that justice will be pursued.
The incident has sparked intense reactions both within the university community and on social media, with many demanding a full probe and accountability as investigations continue.