Esonahae, a bar operator, was arraigned on a one-count charge of causing bodily harm.
The charge read, “That you, Lucky Esonahae, on July 6, 2015, at Uwelu Quartres, Benin, in Egor Magisterial District, did unlawfully cause grievous harm to one Stella Isaac, by setting her on fire with kerosene, which cause her bodily harm and, thereby, committed an offence punishable under Section 355(B) of the Criminal Code Cap 48, Vol. II, Laws of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria, 1976, as applicable to Edo State."
While testifying in court, the prosecuting officer, Sergeant Ganiyu Yahya said the incident occurred at Uwelu Quartres in Benin on July 6, adding that the victim identified as Stella Isaac reported the matter to the police the same day.
The prosecutor said the convict poured kerosene on the head of the victim, who was said to be seven months pregnant before setting her on fire.
Yahaya told the court that the woman was rescued by one of her sons and a neighbour who forced their way into the room as she had been locked in.
He disclosed that the woman was later rushed to the Central Hospital where she was treated for the burns she sustained on her hands and forehead.
According to Yahaya, the convict had earlier accused the victim of infidelity after she allegedly returned home from her antenatal at about 6pm, adding that he threatened to kill her before she ran to her sister’s house.
The convict pleaded guilty to the offence and asked the court for leniency.
However, the presiding magistrate, Igho Braimoh while delivering the verdict said the court would not be lenient, stressing that “for a 37-year-old man to set a lover on fire, leaves much to be desired.”
Braimoh consequently sentenced the convict to five years imprisonment with hard labour.
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