By Deborah Nnamdi
The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended a 300-level student of the University of Port Harcourt, identified as Cynthia Chukwundah, for allegedly setting her partner, Sunny Amadi, on fire during a domestic dispute in Choba, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
The incident occurred on Sunday following a heated argument between the two, reportedly linked to Cynthia’s pregnancy. The victim, 32-year-old Sunny Amadi, later succumbed to severe burn injuries sustained during the altercation.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrest and said the suspect, who also sustained burns, is currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital under police surveillance.
“The Rivers State Police Command is aware of and deeply concerned about a report circulating on social media regarding a fire incident at No. 11B Okoro Street, Choba, Port Harcourt,” the statement read.
“According to preliminary findings, Cynthia Chukwundah, a 300-level undergraduate at the University of Port Harcourt, allegedly set her boyfriend, Saint Sunny Amadi — a 32-year-old man from Elibrada Community in Emohua LGA — ablaze in a room, resulting in critical injuries.”
Amadi was rushed to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) for treatment but later died from his injuries. Police officers from the Choba Division had earlier visited both the scene and the hospital following a distress report received at about 11:12 a.m.
Iringe-Koko added that Chukwundah is pregnant with the deceased’s child but has not yet been able to provide a full statement due to her medical condition.
“The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but investigations are ongoing to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the tragic event,” she said.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has appealed for calm and assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted to ensure justice is served.
