On Monday, a 37-year-old bar operator who was identified as Lucky Esonahae was arraigned on one count bordering on causing bodily harm by setting his pregnant lover on fire.
The prosecuting officer, Sergeant Ganiyu Yahya, told the court that the incident took place at Uwelu Quartres in Benin, and was reported by the victim, Stella Isaac, on July 6, the same day it occurred.
Yahya said Esonahae poured kerosene on Stella, who was said to be 7 months pregnant, lit a match and set her on fire.
He said that the victim was later rescued by one of her sons and her neighbours, who forced the door of her room open, as she had been locked in. He said the victim, who was later rushed to the Central Hospital, where she received treatment sustained burns on her hands and forehead.