Florence Njideka Chukwuma

Cyriacus Izuekwe

A housewife, Mrs Florence Njideka Chukwuma, has been arrested by the police at State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Panti, Yaba over an alleged attempt on the life of her estranged husband, Chinedu over house property in Lagos State, western Nigeria.

Florence allegedly brought a gallon of petrol and poured it on Chinedu’s body and took a lighter to set him ablaze during a quarrel.

However, before she could achieve her aim, Chinedu jumped over the fence and escaped but suffered injury as a result of the attack.

She also allegedly destroyed some imported vehicles and house properties worth millions of naira, chased Chinedu out of their matrimonial home and took over the house built by Chinedu.

The incident happened at 48 Olukotun street Ejigbo their residence before Chinedu was forced out of the house.

While the police are still investigating the alleged attempted murder, the 47-year old Chinedu has equally instituted a divorce suit before a Lagos High court seeking for the dissolution of the 18-year old marriage.

TheNEWS gathered that their traditional ruler of Nnewi in Anambra state, Igwe Kenneth Orizu had wadded into the matter and separated the couple after the council discovered that the marriage had broken down irretrievably.

But Florence insisted that she would not quit the marriage because she already had five children and the marriage was consummated for life.

Trouble started after Chinedu went to see their children. When he entered the house, he alleged that Florence locked their gate, went and brought out the petrol and poured it on him. The woman wanted to set him ablaze.

He said he had to jump over the fence and escape. However, he sustained injury and was taken to hospital. He said he reported the matter to the police that mishandled the matter and he had to write a petition to SCID and the matter was transferred.

When our reporter visited the resident on Sunday, Florence was said to have gone to church.
When our reporter contacted her on phone, she denied that she attempted to kill her husband.
Contrary to her children’s confirmation, she denied she poured petrol on Chinedu to set him ablaze. She said she had issues with Chinedu but not to the extent of killing him. She also acknowledged the divorce suit and declined to make further comment on the matter.

In the suit, Chinedu alleged that Florence wanted to kill him and destroy his properties worth millions of naira.

He also alleged that the marriage had broken down due to constant fighting , nagging, intimidation and harassment by Florence.