Edo man sets wife’s house ablaze after breakup

The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 55-year-old man, Osaro Ahuwa for burning down the house of his estranged wife, Uyi Tina.

The incident occurred on New Year’s Day a day after Tina, an Italy-based businesswoman returned to Nigeria.

According to an eyewitness, Osaro went to Tina’s house but she refused to let him in, saying that their relationship had ended as her family returned his bride price in April 2024.

Infuriated, Osaro shattered the glass windows, doused the apartment with petrol and set it on fire with a lighter.

Spokesperson of the command, CSP Moses Joel Yamu, who confirmed the arrest in a statement on Thursday, January 2, 2025, said Osaro was arrested alongside his accomplice, Odaro Oviarobo, said to be the victim’s brother.

“On 01/01/2025, the Command received a distress call from one Osariten Terecy ‘f’ that at about 0130am of same date, her sister Uyi Tina was asleep in her residence at Asemota Street, Idunowinna Quarters, Benin City, her estranged husband one Osaro Ahuwa went to her house, with a keg of fuel and set the house ablaze,” the statement read.

“Fortunately, the woman escaped but with burns while the house with everything inside and £4,000 was completely razed to the ground. Her Lexus RX 330 was also destroyed.

“The estranged husband with one other accomplice have been arrested and are currently in custody. Investigation is ongoing.”