Theeldah:
You pipo should help me and beg phcn o.....am sorry for the long trip i embarked on....updates coming soon

Power supply is on an increase here in my area... You can always bring your laptop to charge and update for we your readers.

You have me glued already... www.penprimus.com

5


OJO



I was in my cell deep in thought when a young police officer opened the iron
bars.
“Come with me.” He said.
I immediately scrambled up with joy, with the hope of having a visitor which
unmistakably will be Lola, but I was surprised when I was led into Inspector
Noah’s office.
Inspector Noah, the officer in charge of my case looked up as soon as I was
led into his office.
“Good afternoon sir.” I greeted after I had confirmed the time from the wall
clock directly opposite the door.
“Sit down.” He said calmly pointing to one of the two chairs opposite his
desk.
A rare privilege is what I call the treatment I have received since I was put
behind the bars. I was the only inmate allowed to receive visitors anytime of
the day, I was the only one in my cell. Another of such treatment was being
allowed to make and receive calls anytime. Here I am again, sitting in the
Inspector’s office, a privilege no one else is given. The only thing I was
denied is what other inmates are enjoying, which is, freedom of movement.
Since I was locked up, I haven’t had the opportunity to see the sun or the
moon, neither have I seen the sky. While others are allowed to sit outside
the building for a few hours, I was denied in that aspect based on the fact
that, reporters, journalist and pressmen are looking for every opportunity to
get to talk to me, to ask me questions, and according to Inspector Noah,
talking to them will jeopardize investigation. Even though I knew it is my
right, I dare not complain for the fear of being denied other privileges I have
been enjoying.
“I called you.” He said as he dropped the newspaper he was reading in front
of me.
I had no idea of why he dropped the newspaper in front of me, and I was
afraid to pick it up for the fear of being scolded, so I resulted to spying to be
on the safe side.
Staring back at me is a giant picture of me with the headline; BARRISTER
JOE’S MURDER: SUSPECT CONFESSES, TO BE CHARGED TO COURT.
To say I was shocked would be an understatement. But I pretended as if it
is nothing.
Seeing a change in my countenance, Inspector Noah spoke; “That’s the
situation of things now.”
“Nothing will stop this case from getting to court, even if you are the
president’s son. Every big wig of the society is interested, especially, the
members of the Nigerian Bar association. Remember, you killed an exco of
the association.” The police boss explained.
“But sir. God is my witness. I didn’t kill Barrister Joe. He is like a father to
me, he gave me hope when there seems to be no hope. He gave me a job
even when there was no vacancy, doubled my salary after two month,
relegated his personal assistant, and entrusted things with me. I receive his
calls, meet clients on his behalf, why will I kill such a man?” I pleaded with
tears rolling down my cheeks.
“Lying won’t take you anywhere, unless you want a capital punishment for
yourself. Just plead guilty in court and let your lawyer plead on your behalf,
you may get ten years imprisonment or life imprisonment which is a good
bargain when compared to death by hanging.” He advised as if the prison is
a place of fun.
“I can’t stand being punished for the offence I didn’t commit.” I replied.
“Good! See these.” He said throwing and envelope at me.
I managed to assemble the papers and even though I couldn’t understand
most of the things written in the papers, I still had an idea.
“That’s the finger prints found on the diseased, and the DNA test conducted,
it matched with yours. Your hand was all over the deceased, and you dare
tell me you are innocent.” Noah explained.
I stared on foolishly. I knew I didn’t kill Barrister Joe, but my fingerprint was
found all over him.
“Come on fool. You found him dead trul. Your fingerprints was all over him
because you held him.” A voice said from within.
“That’s all I have for you. Get a competent lawyer. Plead guilty and pray
that your punishment is reduced.” Noah advised. “Take him to meet his
people.” He instructed the junior officer who jerked me up and dragged me
out of the office.
Even though I have enjoyed all the privileges available, being forced to do
things is one thing I have been subjected to. Especially from this particular
junior officer who is always on mofti and is so foolish to an extent that he
does everything Noah ask of him, even if his life is at stake.
“Easy man.” I told him when the pushing became unbearable.
“Shut up.” He said angrily.
“What’s your name?” I asked.
“Abel.” He replied.
“You should be Cain instead.” I didn’t know when it came out of my mouth.
I was expecting a thunderous slap from him or he should hit my head on a
nearby wall, but I was surprised when he bursted into laughter.
“You are very funny.” He said trying to control his laughter. “How did you
find yourself in this mess?” He asked.
I looked at him surprisingly with a -are-you-deaf-and-blind-all-these-while-
look.
“Baby.” I didn’t know when we entered the visiting room.
I was overwhelmed with happiness when my girlfriend threw herself on me.
“I missed you.” She cried as she kissed me.
Truly, I missed her too, but in my current situation, I misses home, I missed
freedom than anything. But I won’t lie that I didn’t enjoy the kiss.
Thanks to my height. I looked over her head and saw two men sitting on two
extra chairs beside the chair I guessed Lola was sitting on before I entered.
One of them had an ID card hung around his neck, and the other one looked
simple in just a white T-shirt and jean trouser.
Lola finally let go of me when she was satisfied, grabbed my hand. Leading
me towards my designated stool.
“Barrister Ben, Detective Farouk, this is Ojo.” she informed the two men.
“Good afternoon Mr Ojo. Farouk is the name.” The one in white T-shirt said
extending his hand for a handshake which I took warmly.
When I waited for a while, but heard nothing from the second man, I greeted
him instead.
“Good afternoon sir.” But he ignored me.
Lola gave me a reassuring smile telling me everything is fine.
“Let me talk to you one on one.” He said as he stood up and walked out of
the room. I quickly followed.
Once we were in an empty room, he began.
“Like Lola rightly said, my name is Ben. I am a lawyer, a top one at that. I
will be representing you in court, and my friend here is a detective agent.
Meaning, everything needed to keep you out of jail depends on my friend and
I. Suffice to say, you are at our mercy,” he began.
From his outlook , one could tell he is someone filled with pride, ego and self
importance.
“To tell you the truth. Let’s say we have one thousand lawyers in Nigeria,
about nine hundred and ninety nine are against you. Meaning I am the only
one with you on your side.” He continued. “Barrister Joe was a senior and
revered lawyer when he was alive. Don’t be surprised if in court, you are
being prosecuted by a senior advocate or a team of senior advocates.”
I stared at him in confusion. With the following questions running on my
mind; “is he trying to tell me my freedom depends on him or is he telling me
he is not sure of winning the case?
“But, I will try my best, and am confident of being victorious. Even though,
by so doing, I will be creating more enemies for myself. But if that is the
price to pay to win Lola’s love, I am more than ready to pay.” He continued.
I smiled wryly.
“The thing now is, from this moment, till we meet in court the day after
tomorrow, say nothing to anybody. Don’t answer questions, not even from
Noah. Don’t beg anybody or tell them you are innocent.” He warned.
“Okay sir.”
He gave me a long look for roughly a minute and without another word, he
walked out of the room.
Cain walked in that moment and I followed him back to the visiting room
where Farouk and Lola were and Ben joining them.
I sat down in front of them not knowing what to say.
“Mr Ojo. I bet you have been asked to keep quiet until the court dissolves.
Just take to it. I have some underground investigations going on. Everything
will be solved tomorrow and we can head to court confidently.” Detective
Farouk advised. “After all, we are doing this because you are our brother-in-
law. You have no choice than to allow my friend here marry your sister.” He
added amidst laughter.
I looked at Lola and I saw a change in her countenance, but she covered it
with a smile.
“You sure have a whole lot of explaining to do.” Or so I thought.



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4


LOLA


I took an even greater risk this morning after dad left for work in his Land
Rover, leaving behind, the Mercedes Benz 190 he was using prior to buying
the expensive SUV he currently drives, and mum’s expensive Toyota venza.
Dad being a strict disciplinarian is often likened to a miser. In the real sense,
he posses every characteristics of ‘misers’ as the old man will only give out
a kobo from his hard earned money after you must have explained
extensively; what purpose the money will serve, the importance of such
purpose and how it affects your life positively. It took five years of begging
and advise from members of the family before dad was convinced that he
needed a new ride. He only took it serious when his previous car broke down
twice in the middle of the road m and he spent hours trying to fix it. Despite
getting a new car, he still drove the old car occasionally. On many occasions,
dad had said he won’t for any reason buy a car for his wife, because;
according to him, his wife a businesswoman is capable of buying one for
herself, and buying a car for one’s wife is not a marital obligation he must
fulfill. And as long as he catered for the family with his hard earned money
and saw the children through school. The least his wife could do is to use
the exorbitant profit made from her business in getting a car. And with the
help of a relative who resides in the united kingdom, mum was able to buy
her personal car.
I walked out of the house with my handbag and made for mum’s car which
was parked directly outside the garage which currently housed dad’s
Mercedes. Adamu; mum’s driver sat at the front seat dancing as hot Hausa
laced intonation songs was being played. The man sure knows how to enjoy
himself.
“Mister Adamu.” I called through the car window, slightly tapping his
shoulder.
Immediately he saw me, he reduced the volume of the song and faced me.
“Aunty Lola, me I no know you don come from school.” He smiled.
“I came back last Friday. I saw you on Saturday morning when you came to
park mummy’s car.” I replied.
“Na so jare Aunty. Man must chop.” He laughed.
I stared at the Hausa man from Kano, not knowing where to begin my
speech.
“You dey go out?” He asked, even though he saw me all dresses up.
“Yes. I wan quickly reach somewhere, but I need your help.” I replied.
“What is that?”
“I promise, I will be back in an hours time. Please, give me the car key.” I
pleaded.
“Which car?” He asked.
“This one.” I replied pointing to the car he sat in.
“This one?” He asked, alarmed. I nodded in affirmation. “Venza?” He asked,
laying emphasis on the ‘V’ and ‘Z.”
“Adamu please.”
“Am sorry, but I can’t. Madam will be back in two hours time, and I must go
to the airport to pick her up, now you want to go out with the car. I can’t
afford to loose this job.”
I felt my heart shatter that moment as I looked at mum’s driver. I dipped my
hand into my bag and brought out wads of naira note and without counting,
I dropped it on his dashboard. His face lit up instantly as he stared at the
money.
“For me?” He asked.
“Adamu please.” I begged, almost kneeling down.
“Okay. But Aunty, one hour.” He said emphatically.
“I promise. Once it is one hour, I will call you and you will come and meet
me wherever I am. Even though I am likely to wait for you outside the
estate.” I replied.
He calmly alighted and held the door opened for me.
“Haba! Now. You know am not that good with reverse.” I said.
He smiled and hopped in, while I quickly ran to open the gate, even though
the gateman was there.
“Weldone.” He said once I was done opening the gate. Even though I cared
less, because all that mattered to me that moment was meeting Ben, an old
school friend of mine who is a lawyer. A top one at that.
Even though I wasn’t perfect with driving, I took the wheel from Adamu after
he had backed out of the compound for me and faced the estate gate for me,
slow and steadily, I drove out of the estate.
———
Without any problem, I drove into Ruppert and James associates, a legal
chamber belonging to two British lawyer, who for reasons best known to
them felt that establishing a legal law chamber in Nigeria is a good idea.
Even though dead now, their names still lived on, because it is a house to
several young, but exceptional lawyers in the country.
“Good morning Miss Lola. You have an appointment with Barrister Ben at
ten. He is waiting for you. First office to the right, third floor.” The
receptionist read out to her.
“Thank you.” Lola smiled.
“You are welcome.” The receptionist replied curtly.
Lola greeted everyone she met on her way towards the elevator and those
she met inside the elevator. As past memories flashed in.
2011
Lola, a year one student of one of the best universities in Nigeria sat outside
the lecture hall, her phone in hand as she did only God knows what with the
device. She was waiting for her friend and roommate who was writing a test,
having agreed to meet after their respective tests so that they can both
proceed to their hostel, all thanks to the recent killings in the campus. The
attacks which seemed targeted at the students in their hostel, and the
advise was not to walk alone.
As the time was 5pm already, everywhere is getting deserted as no one
wanted to be a victim or stray bullet.
Moments later, the lecturer walked out and immediately, the students walked
out in twos and threes.
“How I wish I had applied for law.” Lola thought as she saw her friend
waving from beside a Volkswagen golf 3. Immediately, Lola knew another
free ride had come their way, she stood up, grabbed her bag and made for
where her friend was, but surprisingly, someone held her waist from behind,
pinning her down to the chair.
She turned immediately with a stinging slap, but whoever was behind her
held her hand mid air.
What the hell is your problem?” She screamed. “Don’t you have sister at
home? Go and grab them anyhow.” Her voice seemed to have attracted the
majority of the law students who as real Nigerians stopped to watch the
drama.
Lola was even more infuriated when the guy kept smiling. “You are mad, I
swear. Can you now let me go?” She asked, this time silently.
“I merely saved you from embarrassment, but you paid me back by
embarrassing me. There is blood trace behind your skirt.” He spoke for the
first time.
Immediately, Lola’s mind did some quick calculations and she realized it
was time for her monthly discharge. Her face turned red in embarrassment
as she stared at the young man.
“Here.” He gave her a cardigan. “Tie it over.” He added before standing
upright.
By now, her best friend and roommate was in front of them.
“Hello Amara.” The young man greeted.
“Hello Ben.” Her roommate replied.
Without another word, Ben walked away. “Babes, what is the matter?”
Amara asked.
“My period showed.” She replied.
“Jesu! Was that why he held you down?”
Lola nodded in affirmation. “And you are dressed in white. Na wa o.”
“He gave me this.” Lola showed the cardigan and her friend urged her to tie
it over.
“Now, you made us miss a free ride.” Amara lamented as they walked.
Just then , a cream colored Toyota Camry parked beside them. “Where are
you going?” The guy from the lecture hall. Ben, as Lola remembered Amara
greeting him.
“Girls hostel.” Amara replied.
“I live outside the school gate.” Ben said.
“Good, you can get us home then. Hop in girl.” Amara nudged Lola who
reluctantly entered the car. She still felt embarrassed.
PRESENT DAY
That was how I met Ben.
“have a nice day.” A fat man, also a lawyer said as I walked out of the
elevator on the third floor.
“Thank you sir.” I smiled.
“Lola Douglas.” A familiar voice called.
Then I saw him. Standing outside an office is Ben, looking cute and
handsome in his well tailored suit. His ever dark skin shone brightly, his blue
eyes filled with love and care remained unchanged, his hair well trimmed to
the famous ‘old school afro’ and the aura with which he carried himself still
present as ever.
“Good morning Ben.” I greeted shyly.
“Am disappointed. Is this how you greet an old friend? Lola, you no try o.”
He joked as he led me into his office.
I know the least I could do that moment was hug him, but knowing the type
of person Ben is, I dare not.
“You look more beautiful and bigger. What’s the secret?” He asked as he led
me to a mini living room inside his office where newspapers were spread on
the table.
“The small Lola in those days. Always with one Dan Brown, John Grisham or
Sidney Sheldon novels. Did I forget to say she loved Harlequin series too?
Lola Douglas.” He said as if he was reading a rhyme.
“Please, to the reason I am here.” I replied with a straight face.
Ben gave me a long stare.
“That was embarrassing, and I can see you haven’t changed one bit.” He
said.
I kept mute while staring at the various award plaque in his office.
“You haven’t seen me in three years. Even during my service, I came back to
school, I saw Amara and she made me understand you guys are no longer
friends. Plus you moved out of the hostel. I tried all I could to see you, but it
proved abortive. Seeing you now, I should sing the song of praise to God, but
see the attitude you have me…..” he poured out.
I wanted to talk him I am sorry, but something held my tongue. “Anyways, I
have met the officer in charge of the case, Noah. He is an old friend.” He
switched to a business-like tone.
I was surprised, and the question in my mind was when and how did he
meet Inspector Noah.
“As soon as I received your call last night, I booked a quick meeting with
him and on my way here this morning, I met him in his office.” He explained.
Did I tell you Ben is able to read my mind? Now you know.
“I must say this case is a difficult one, considering the number of people
interested in this case. Aside the fact that the deceased was a senior citizen,
a senior lawyer. I must tell you that everyone in this building is on the
prosecutor’s side. The accused will have a hard time getting out of the case,
but I will do my utmost best.” He explained, while I listened attentively.
“I have deployed some of my boys in the police force to question certain
people, most especially, Late Barrister Joe’s friends who attended his
birthday bash. I wonder why the police is yet to invite any of them for
questioning. Also, according to what Noah told me, Ojo claimed that as at
the time he found the late Barrister’s dead body in the living room, other
staffs were still present. But they seemed to have taken to their heels
afterwards. Why did they run away is a question the police should ask before
singling out just one person.”
With his simple explanation, I saw a bright light at the end of the tunnel.
“I personally think a script is being acted. Noah is playing to the rules, but I
have accepted to meet them in court with my client. In have two days left,
so, there is nothing I can do. There is no time to meet the accused and hear
his story, but I will go to court with the mindset of forcing an adjournment,
and ensuring that the police questions the late Barrister’s friends, as well as
his staffs and above all, secure Ojo’s bail.” He concluded.
“Thank you very much.” I said.
“Its nothing dear. I believe a friend needs help, and I am doing just that.” He
replied.
Just then, his phone rang. “Hello Farouk.” He said. “The eatery opposite my
office?”
He dropped the call and faced me. “My detective friend is waiting for us.
Let’s go grab something to eat while you meet him officially. From there, we
can all proceed to go and see Ojo for introduction.” He faced me.
Even though I wanted to say no, because I needed to return mum’s car, but
all that mattered that moment was getting Ojo out of jail.
“I wonder why for the time we spent together before I graduated in school,
you never for once mentioned that you have a brother. Even the newspapers
never said he was in any way related to Professor.”
“Not really my blood brother, plus, no one wanted to associate with him
because of the case.” I lied.
You are wondering why I lied? Well, Ben has been pressuring me for a
relationship since we met. Knowing that Ojo is my boyfriend could mean he
would no longer help me, because to him, he is helping my brother who
could as well turn out to be his in-law later on.