July 09, (THEWILL) — The management of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has denied reports circulating in the media and police statements that one Cynthia Chukwundah, who allegedly set her boyfriend on fire, is a 300-level student of the institution.
In a statement signed by Sammy Kpenu, Head of Information, Publications, and Public Relations at UNIPORT, the institution stated that a thorough internal review and verification of its student records confirmed that Chukwundah is not enrolled at the university.
“We urge members of the public and media outlets to refrain from spreading unverified information and to allow law enforcement agencies to conduct a full and impartial investigation,” the statement read.
The university also expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and reaffirmed its commitment to student safety, discipline, and overall well-being.
It further pledged to cooperate fully with relevant authorities as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has opened an investigation into the tragic incident, which occurred at No. 11B Okoro Street, Choba, Port Harcourt.
In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the police said preliminary reports indicated that Cynthia Chukwundah allegedly set her 32-year-old boyfriend, Saint Sunny Amadi, ablaze during a domestic dispute. Amadi, who hailed from Elibrada community in Emohua Local Government Area, sustained severe burns and was rushed to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), where he later died.
Police operatives from the Choba Division responded promptly to the scene and visited the victim at the hospital before his passing.
Cynthia, who was also injured during the incident and is reportedly heavily pregnant with the deceased’s child, is currently receiving treatment at a medical facility.
According to police, she is in critical condition and has yet to provide a statement, but will be questioned as soon as she is medically stable.
“The probable cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but a thorough investigation is underway,” the statement noted.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has appealed for calm and assured the public that justice will be served.
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