A 38-year-old second-hand clothes dealer is currently fighting for her life at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra after she was allegedly set on fire by a co-tenant, Godwin Tetteh, at Alajo in Accra.
The suspect, a 43-year-old bar attendant, who allegedly set Cindy Aidoo on fire in the wee hours of last Monday in his room, has since been arrested by the Kotobabi Police.
Brief
Briefing the Daily Graphic, the Public Relations Officer of the Accra Regional Police Command, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mrs Effia Tenge, said the victim and the suspect lived in the same house at Alajo in Accra
At about 12 midnight on April 24, 2017, the victim claimed she was invited by Tetteh to his room for a discussion on some issues bothering him.
While there, the victim alleged that Tetteh told her he was planning to tie the knot this year for which reason he had bought some items for a traditional marriage.
The items, which included wax prints and a travelling bag, were kept in the room of Tetteh’s friend. He claimed those items were subsequently stolen by the friend’s girlfriend for which reason he was disturbed.
After listening to the issues and offering her advice, Cindy said she decided to leave as it was already late.
Attack
Cindy further claimed Tetteh held her neck and attempted strangulating her when she was about to leave the room.
According to her, even though, she was unable to shout, she succeeded in freeing herself from the suspect’s grip.
In the course of it, she became unconscious.
When she regained consciousness, she realised that her body was on fire and she started shouting for help.
Cindy said she was eventually rescued by some neighbours and co-tenants in the house who took her dress off and poured water on her.
She sustained severe burns and was rushed to the Maamobi Government hospital. She was subsequently referred to the 37 Hospital where she is currently receiving treatment.
Arrest
Later when the suspect was arrested, he confirmed he actually invited the victim to his room for a discussion on some personal issues.
The suspect claimed he went to bed afterwards while the victim also went to her room. Tetteh, however, alleged he later found the victim on fire in his room.
During investigations, the police found out that the carpet in the suspect’s room had been burnt. The police is yet to ascertain the substance used in setting the fire.
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