Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of one Chima for allegedly setting ablaze his elder sister, identified simply as Victoria, at their place of residence around Okokomaiko area of Ojo, in Lagos state, Nigeria.
The siblings were assisting their mother, who was cooking in the kitchen, when trouble started between Victoria and Chima.
It was gathered that the mother cautioned Victoria against cohabitating with men since she had a home, but an argument ensued between them and Victoria allegedly disrespected her in the process.
Chima, who was angered by what Victoria did to their mother, reportedly grabbed a keg filled with petrol, hit his sister with it and the content spilled on her and their mother.
The action led to an explosion and the mother and sister were burnt in the process.
Punch Metro reports that, in a bid to rescue them, neighbours rushed them to a nearby hospital in Okokomaiko, from where Victoria, who sustained severe burns, was referred to the General Hospital in Igando. However, Victoria died due to the severity of the burns, but the mother survived.
According to Punch, after Chima realised what he had done, he attempted to flee from the scene of the incident, but he was apprehended by youths in the community, who heard the distress call of the victims, just as smoke was coming out from their kitchen.
The neighbours reportedly extinguished the fire and handed over Chima to the police.
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, confirmed Chima’s arrest, adding that during interrogation, he confessed to setting his sister ablaze for disrespecting their mother.
The PPRO said, “According to the suspect, he set his elder sister ablaze, because she disrespected their mother. The mother was cooking when the brother threw a keg of petrol at the sister and an explosion occurred. The mother also suffered burns, but she is fine, while the sister could not make it.
“The brother has been arrested and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Panti, Yaba, for discrete investigation. He will soon be charged. Investigation is ongoing.”