The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the death of a 32-year-old man, Saint Sunny Amadi, following a tragic fire incident at his residence in Choba, Port Harcourt, amid allegations involving his pregnant girlfriend.
The incident occurred at No. 11B Okoro Street in Choba and involved Amadi, a native of Elibrada community in Emohua Local Government Area, and his girlfriend, Cynthia Chukwundah, a 300-level student of the University of Port Harcourt, who is reportedly pregnant with his child.
Police operatives from the Choba Division were alerted and arrived at the scene at about 11:12am on the day of the incident.
According to the police, Amadi had sustained severe burns and was rushed to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), where he later died while receiving treatment.
Chukwundah also sustained injuries and is currently receiving care at a separate medical facility.
Police report that her condition is critical and she has not been able to give a formal statement.
Although social media reports suggest the fire may have been deliberately set by the suspect following a domestic dispute, police officials stress that the actual cause of the blaze has not been confirmed.
The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a detailed and impartial investigation.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, conveyed the assurance of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, that the matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness.
“We are committed to ensuring that justice is served. A thorough investigation is ongoing, and the public will be kept informed as new findings emerge,” the statement read.
The Command urged residents to refrain from speculation and allow investigators to carry out their duties.
It also encouraged the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing credible information that could aid in maintaining peace and justice in the state.
Writing by Niran Odufayo