Osaro Ahunwan, 55, is accused of setting fire to his estranged wife Tina Uyi’s home in Idumwonwina, near Oluku, in the Ovia North-East Local Government Area.
Tina, a 54-year-old businesswoman from Italy, returned to Nigeria on December 31, 2024, to celebrate the New Year with her family. According to witnesses, Osaro arrived at Tina’s home but was denied entry, so he doused the building with gasoline and set it on fire.
A source said, “Tina returned to Nigeria from her base in Italy and Osaro went to her house when he learnt that she had returned. Tina heard a loud bang on her window while coming out from the bathroom but did not let him in.
“Tina refused her estranged husband into her apartment, claiming that their relationship had ended as her family had returned her pride price since April 2024.”
The fire reportedly engulfed the entire house, destroying property worth millions, including cash in local and foreign currencies.
Tina’s nonagenarian parents were rescued by neighbours, while the Edo State Fire Service extinguished the flames. Tina, who sustained third-degree burns, is receiving treatment at a private hospital in Benin.
Speaking, she said, “Osaro destroyed my Lexus (330) Jeep when we had a misunderstanding. He is too controlling and very suspicious of my movement. Even when I am out shopping and he calls, as soon as he hears a male’s voice, he starts calling me names.
“Due to his violent and overbearing character, I decided to quit the marriage that lasted less than two years.”
“This time, he tried to come into my apartment and he committed this arson because I refused him entry.”
Tina stated that Osaro had threatened to kill both her and himself at some point in 2023.
According to information obtained, Osaro and his accomplice, Tina’s older brother Odaro Ovia Robo, were arrested by the police in Ekiadolor for the incident. Osaro allegedly confessed during questioning that Odaro Oviarobo, also known as “OD,” gave him detailed information about his sister’s (Tina’s) itinerary.
When contacted, SP Moses Yamu, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Command, confirmed the incident but stated that he had not yet spoken to the Divisional Police Officer in Charge of the Ekiadolor Division for details of the incident. As of the time of filing the report, both Osaro and Odaro are still in police custody while investigations continue.
