It was learnt that the incident occurred on Wednesday, at the
deceased’s residence located on Uwa Street, in Oredo Local Government Area of
Edo State.The Nation gathered that there have been a protracted quarrel between
the octogenarian and Obasohan over his unpaid rent.
It was learnt that the late Pa Iyen had also given the suspect a
quit notice on two occasions, when he (Obasohan) allegedly refused to pay.
But the disagreement was said to have degenerated on Wednesday,
leading to the tragedy.The elderly man was said to have died, following the
severe burns he sustained from the fire.
The wife of the deceased, Mrs. Esther, alleged that the tenant had
threatened her life and that of her late husband.She also said that the suspect
had failed to pay his electricity bill.
The widower said,
“He
does not pay his house rent; he does not pay the light bill. Since 2014, we
said he should leave this house; I don’t want trouble.
“He threatened to kill me or my husband. We took him to court. Then, my husband fell sick. Later, they said that the case had been struck out.”
“He threatened to kill me or my husband. We took him to court. Then, my husband fell sick. Later, they said that the case had been struck out.”
The daughter of the late man, Faith Eganbor,
alleged that the tenant had been officially asked to leave the building in 2014
and 2015.Eganbor, who described his father as a “kind” man, called for a
thorough investigation on the matter and ensure justice for the aggrieved
family members.
“I need justice in my father’s matter. My father
is a good man; he is kind to a fault. This is not the first time that this
tenant has been asked to leave this house.
“They gave him quit notice early this year;
2014, 2015. We came this morning to find out (that) our father is dead; burnt,”
Eganbor said.
But the suspect could not be reached for comments, as he was said
to have been arrested by security operatives from the Esigie Police Division.
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Osifo
Abiodun, told our correspondent on Thursday that the tenant had a protracted
disagreement with the late landlord over unpaid rent before allegedly setting
him ablaze.
He also said that the case had been transferred to the State
Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
“That is true. Yes, he (suspect) is in custody.
The suspect has made a statement; the case has been transferred to the state
CID,” Abiodun said on telephone.
However, it was learnt that the remains of the
late man was later taken to a mortuary by some security operatives.
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