Accra: The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested a 29-year-old unemployed woman for allegedly setting fire to her ex-boyfriend's belongings and stabbing him during a confrontation at Sowutuom in Accra. The suspect, identified as Augustina Adoma, is reported to have visited the residence of her former partner, Emmanuel Otabil, a 30-year-old driver, at Race Course at Sowutuom on Thursday around 0900 hours and allegedly became agitated upon seeing him with another woman.
According to Ghana News Agency, a statement issued and signed by Superintendent Juliana Obeng, the Head of Public Affairs at the Accra Regional Police Command, said the suspect reportedly poured water on the pair and took possession of his Samsung mobile phone before leaving the premises. Later that day, around 1600 hours, the suspect was said to have returned to the residence in the absence of the victim. Using a duplicate key, she allegedly gained access to the victim's kiosk and set ablaze several personal items including a mattress, carpet, blankets, and bedsheets.
A confrontation ensued in the evening when Mr Otabil confronted Adoma over the alleged arson and demanded the return of his phone. During the altercation, Adoma allegedly took a knife belonging to a nearby orange seller and stabbed Otabil on the left side of his chest. Mr Otabil was initially rushed to the Race Course Hospital, but was subsequently transferred to Lapaz Community Hospital and later to the University of Ghana Medical Centre, where he underwent emergency surgery. He is currently on admission and responding to treatment.
Police investigations led to the retrieval of the victim's mobile phone from the suspect, who was arrested at the Tesano Police Station, where she had earlier attempted to file a medical report in relation to a separate assault complaint against Mr Otabil. The case remains under investigation.
The Accra Regional Police Command advised the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, particularly in domestic or relationship-related disputes. The police emphasised that appropriate legal channels existed for addressing grievances peacefully.
