Barman sets fire on co-tenant

The Kotobabi Police have apprehended a 43-year-old barman for allegedly setting his female co-tenant on fire on Monday, April 24, 2017.

The suspect, Godwin Tetteh, who claims to be a barman, allegedly invited the victim Cindy Aidoo, 38, to his room for discussions where he attempted to strangulate and set her on fire.

Other tenants in the house rescued the victim and rushed her to the Mamobi Polyclinic for medical attention.

Cindy Aidoo, who sustained burns all over the body, was later transferred to the 37 Military Hospital, for further treatment.

ASP Effia Tenge, the Accra Regional Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), who briefed the media, said both the victim and suspect live in the same house at Alajo, a suburb of Accra.

At about 12am on April 24, 2017, the suspect called the victim to his room to seek her advice on some personal issues.

Cindy said Tetteh disclosed that he bought some items for the traditional marriage and gave them to a friend for safe keeping.

The suspect complained bitterly to the victim that his friend’s girlfriend had stolen the items.

“The victim said after the discussions, she got up to go to bed, but the suspect held her firmly and attempted to strangulate her. The victim said she was unable to shout and fell unconscious in an attempt to free herself.

“When she regained consciousness, she found out that her body had been set on fire and shouted for help,” the police officer stated.

ASP Tenge said some neighbors and other tenants pulled off her dress and poured water on her.

A report was later lodged with the Kotobabi Police, which led to the arrest of Godwin Tetteh.

In his caution statement, Godwin Tetteh confirmed that indeed he invited the victim to his room to discuss personal issues.

The suspect said after the discussions, he went straight to bed and the victim also left for her room.

“I only woke up to find the victim in my room burnt,” the suspect wrote in his statement.

Meanwhile, the police have retrieved part of the burnt carpet in the suspect’s room, which would be used as exhibit during the trial.