A tragic incident has rocked Choba community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, following the arrest of a 300-level student of the University of Port Harcourt, Cynthia Chukwundah, who allegedly set her lover ablaze during a dispute reportedly linked to a pregnancy issue.
The suspect, said to be in a relationship with the victim, identified as 32-year-old Sunny Amadi, allegedly carried out the act in a private apartment located at No. 11B Okoro Street, Choba, on Sunday, July 6, 2025. Reports indicate that an argument had ensued between the two, which escalated into violence, leading to the fire incident that eventually claimed Amadi’s life.
Sources close to the scene disclosed that the altercation centered around Cynthia’s pregnancy, believed to be for the deceased. In the course of the dispute, the situation spiraled out of control, culminating in a fire that left both parties with severe burns. Amadi was rushed to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) in critical condition but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.
The Rivers State Police Command, through its spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident in a statement released to the media on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. She disclosed that the command was alerted to the fire incident at about 11:12 a.m. on the day it occurred. Upon receiving the report, detectives from the Choba Police Division immediately visited both the crime scene and the hospital.
According to Iringe-Koko, preliminary investigations revealed that Cynthia, the suspect, also sustained burn injuries during the inferno and is currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital under police surveillance. She noted that Cynthia is heavily pregnant and in a fragile condition, which has made it difficult for her to give a formal statement. However, she is expected to assist investigators with her account of the events once her health improves.
The police spokesperson further explained that the precise cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Forensic and investigative teams have commenced a thorough probe to establish whether the act was premeditated or resulted from a sudden breakdown in the relationship.
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has expressed deep concern over the incident and assured the public that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring justice is served. He appealed to residents to remain calm and allow the police to carry out their investigation without interference.
The unfortunate death of Sunny Amadi, a native of Elibrada in Emohua Local Government Area, has sparked widespread discussions across social media platforms, with many Nigerians calling for a speedy and transparent investigation into the matter.
