₦airaland Forum

Nmeri17:
madam u start new story u no mention anybody abi it is well

BTW what sound does uhmmmmnnn make or what action makes it

Oops-a-daisy! To me, it's more like the sound you make when you're thinking. I should change it to hmn instead. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

We take a trip back in time.

‘’God bless you for that statement. Mummy has lived her life and gone. Daddy is living his life as he pleases and you must live your own. You have always liked Lagos and I’m encouraging you to go. Like you know I have so much on my table so I don’t want to give a particular figure until I discuss with my husband’’

‘’I know I know. By the way, how is your body?’’

‘’I am fine, I thank God because I am nearly there. It’s the last trimester and soon it would be quarter to push oh!’’

‘’And you shall push to safety in Jesus name – mama baby’’ Jesuorobo yelled.

‘’I hear you and I say a big amen to your prayers. The journey with this baby has been very smooth – the boy nor worry me at all at all. No morning sickness, nothing at all in short I will deliver like the Hebrew women’’

‘’Amen ohhhhhhhhhh! Sister, you don use style tell me say na boy. I don catch you – ntorrrrrrrrrrr!’’

Then the siblings began to laugh. After a while, Itohan broached another topic she never failed to bring up with her brother ‘’uncle Jesuorobo, yes I nor hide am again na boy I dey carry. But my brother, your nephew said I should tell you something…’’

‘’You don come again oh!’’ Jesuorobo grumbled. He knew what it was about and he couldn’t be bothered.

Itohan ignored him and continued to talk ‘’your unborn nephew said I should beg you to quit that bad habit. His desire is that by the time he arrives, you would have stopped smoking’’

Then Jesuorobo continued laughing ‘’in short this my new nephew is a guy man! Gotta go sis, greetings to the hubby and kids. Expecting your favourable reply soon’’

‘’Bye my brother bye’’

Unfortunately, Jesuorobo didn’t really know anyone else in Lagos and he didn’t want to ask his father for help. He was too proud and he didn't want to discuss his future with his dad. Besides what could his dad do? The man was a loner and didn’t really make or keep friends! The few decent friends he once had had shunned him after the demise of his wife. Some remained but most eased away.

So far, Jesuorobo had been able to save 100,000 to N120,000 and he needed more. He managed to cast his pride aside and place a call to his sister. The moment, Itohan heard her brother’s voice, she yelled out in excitement. They spent the next few minutes conversing in Bini. As was her usual practice, Itohan didn’t ask of her father or his mistress but Jesuorobo filled her in and she listened.

Then they got around to the reason for the call and Itohan sighed deeply ‘’my brother, it is tough time for me but I will see what I can come up with. I need to speak to my husband and I will get back to you; God willing by the end of the week’’

‘’Thank you so much. I know you have a lot of commitment and you know I don’t like disturbing you. I know another baby is coming and your house project is still on. I am not asking for much but anything you can help will go a long way’’

‘’It’s okay; anything to make you leave that Benin, you know I support. I wonder how you manage to stay in that house with them’’

‘’Sister, this is our father’s home; a house mummy built with him. A house she lived in even when daddy deserted her. I owe it to her memory to protect this place. I owe it to her to protect daddy from himself and Bukola’’

Then Itohan whispered ‘’at what cost? Will you continue to put your life on hold so you can watch over that man? Is he a baby abi nor be im two eyes e use follow that woman? Bukola has been there for over 8 years and you could not do a thing. Why oh why do you think you can help him at this stage’’

‘’She is manipulating your father as usual. We all know this thing is not normal. I fear for him. All the time I was away at law school and NYSC, I nor dey rest for your papa matter. God knows why I do this’’

‘’Jesuorobo my brother, leave that man alone. He has made his bed and he should lie on it. You need to get on with your life and stop feeling sorry for him. He is not even begging for your help. You try to help him and he asks you to stay away – God forbid bad thing! You dey try sha. I could never do what you are doing’’

‘’Papa nor good. Papa nor good but father is father. I told you another reason why I had to leave Kaduna. Mummy appeared to me in a dream and begged me to stay with daddy in this house. I am not here for nothing and I know I will leave soon. Why mumsie begged me to return, I don’t know. Perhaps it was to avert something I don’t know. Sha I agree with you. I feel the time for me to leave has come…’’

THIRTEEN

A week after the police visited his home, Jesuorobo sat by the desk in his bedroom and stared at his phone. He didn’t want to call his sister (Itohan) but he knew he had to. He hated having to beg for anything but he was getting desperate. He had tried his best to save from his meager salary but it had not amounted to much. People looked at lawyers with ‘big man eye’ but in reality their pay was pitiful. If you were not working in the big firms in the larger cities, chances were your salary didn’t amount to anything.

And this was why he needed to take the giant step. Lagos was calling and she had been doing that for a very long time. About 3 months ago, a former colleague (Collins Osunde) called to tell him about an accommodation he had found. It was a self contained on the island but the price was outrageous for someone like Jesuorobo. For the same amount, he could get a decent 3 bedroom apartment in Benin.

Collins worked in a small law firm on Lagos Island but he had been making plans to move out of his uncle’s house at Bariga. He was not rich enough to afford his own place so he needed a flat mate. Collins begged Jesuorobo to come up with the money quickly so they could move in together.

Jesuorobo saw the picture of the place and he even went there but he couldn’t come up with the money fast enough. The agency fee was for two years and that didn’t include the lawyer’s fee and cautionary deposit fee! Jesuorobo was desperate; so desperate he said something silly to the agent. He volunteered to get a legal colleague to draw up the lease then the estate agent frowned and said he will get back to them.

The following day, the agent called to say the property had been taken up by another tenant. Collins was livid and rightly so. The house at Ibeju Lekki had been the closest he could get within the ₦300,000 mark. Collins could not believe Jesuorobo’s leaky mouth had cost him the house. He gave Jesuorobo a piece of his mind and it was not pleasant ‘’this is Lagos; you don’t go about telling an estate agent you are a lawyer or talking about your lawyer friends. You frighten them because they don’t want to spend eternity asking a tenant to move out!’’

The following week, a frustrated Collins borrowed money from family then pumped his life savings on another property (at Lekki) and this time, he didn’t bother to inform Jesuorobo. He was tired of his fake friend and he needed to take the leap of faith. Shortly afterwards, he was rewarded with a serious individual who was desperately looking to share the cost of the rent. And that was how Jesuorobo lost out on the apartment.

Jesuorobo complained bitterly and someone advised him to consider a place on the mainland but he refused. The problem was he had to remain on the Island for work reason. His late mother’s sister (Aunty Lizzy) had promised him a place in a SAN’s chamber. Unfortunately, the SAN was only doing it as a favour. His chamber was already full but Jesuorobo was free to work and gain invaluable experience before leaping off to the next spot.

It sure sounded like a good opportunity; Jesuorobo was hardworking but only when he needed to be. He didn’t like to push himself too much but he knew 3 to 4 months would give him enough time to find another chamber willing to pay for his services. Perhaps if he proved himself enough, they could even hire him at the SAN’s chamber.

But it all depended on money. Everything seemed to be about money, money and more money. His dear aunt told him he could stay at her place but Jesuorobo had been to her house. The house was filled to capacity and worse still, it was at the other end of Lagos – Ikorodu. There was no way he could commute from her place to the Island every blessed weekday on a job that would not pay a dime! That was suicidal; that would mean shaving off about 3 years off his life span!

We leave the detectives alone for now (some chapters) and would delve into the lives of some major characters in this story.

***
5 days later, Chichi pulled out a chair and sat in front of Unique ‘’why you dey vex nah?’’ she asked.

‘’My backside is on fire. This case is so cold and we’ve only just begun. It’s so cold if I lay my hands on it, I’ll get frostbitten!’’

‘’Relax it’s a tiny neighbourhood and someone will spill one of these days. I feel it in my body and I can’t explain it. Something has got to give Unique so don’t kill yourself before the case heats up. By the way how did the interview with the Engineer go? Engineer Akindele if I recall correctly‘’

‘’It was a total waste of time like the others’’

‘’Did you visit the houses after Prof’s?’’

‘’Chichi I did. Mrs Bricks, Chief Okao, Mr and Mrs Bello, Mr and Mrs Igunbor, Engineer Akindele you name it. Even the government worker and the Saudi doctor’s houses were not left out. I’ve spent the last few days combing that street like a… like a … ’’

‘’Like a who.re right!’’

‘’Yeah like a fvcking cheap whor.e’’ Unique finished.

Once he was done, Chichi began to laugh but Unique wore a serious look ‘’Chichi, don’t laugh. I’ve never had it this bad. This is how many weeks after the crime and nothing is making sense yet. No leads, no calls, no nothing. All I got is oga breathing down my neck like a dragon. I’m starting to lose my mind. I feel like a rookie detective all over again’’

‘’You need to take a chill pill bro’’

‘’I need to go and interview the wee lad’’

‘’Which one again?’’ Chichi asked.

‘’I mean Prof’s son; the one who was playing with the girl outside’’

‘’Oh you mean Michael Buwa? Oh well I don’t know about that. Do you think it would help? If you don’t mind me asking why?’’

‘’Well he is the closest thing to catching the culprit. He is 7 years old for God sake not 3. I expect to get something solid from him. Surely if he is calm, he would recall the colour of the car or something. If I have to get him on a shrink’s chair and do all that nonsense about closing eyes and remembering stuff – I bloody will!’’

‘’Yeah, but that would be a bad idea. Prof appears a bit soft on the kid almost like he is shielding him or something. I don’t know how you are going to get another interview with him. And about the shrink stuff, just forget it. Dude is way too young and there is no way his father would allow that happen. As a matter of fact, I can safely tell you to leave that chap alone. He has nothing more to offer. I watched him talk; he does not hold the key to this case’’

‘’Then who does?’’

‘’Time. Give it some more time’’

Then Unique put both hands on his head and groaned ‘’dig a hole and bury me Chichi. Just dig a hole, leave me there and I’ll hibernate until this case blows over’’

‘’It is well’’ Chichi replied. ‘’Mark my word, something will give very soon. Someone will spill and begin to sing like a canary’’

lenmafon:
*screaming* she is back!!! she is back!!! *goes and give touchmender a big bear hug* i miss u so much. ehmmmmm detective Unique and Chichi again, the culprit cannot hide for so long. thanks touchmender for the update.

Morning dear, big hugsssssssssssssssssssssssssss. Its great to have you again. How has it been and how is ...
Okay let me stop there.

What did Jesuorobo see? What does he know or is he just bluffing?

We continue tomorrow...

Then Unique raised an eyebrow at him and Jesuorobo yelled in a playful manner ‘’hey, I’m not lying ask my dad. I got nothing to hide here. Just make sure you don’t ask Bukky questions about me because the b.itch makes things up a lot. If you listen to her long enough, you’d start getting paranoid - she is that good. She does it to my dad all the time and then the old man begins to act like he is a looney. But it’s a lot better now since I’m around to check on her excesses. Anything to throw me out of my father’s house she is game. Fortunately, I play the same game as well. As a matter of fact, I play in the major league and I have a pretty good feeling I’ll win. I’ll throw her out before she throws me out!’’

At this stage, Unique was bored to death and he couldn’t wait to leave so he asked another question ‘’did any friends come visiting on that day? Not just your friends but your parents as well’’

‘’Mehnnnnnnn I got no friends in this city no more. All them guys are hustlers and I can’t really call them friends. So the answer to your question is no. No visitors on that day. Are we all done now because I’m going all the way to Sakponba area and it’s getting pretty late’’
Then Unique and Chichi stood up and Jesuorobo continued ‘’I believe you can drop me along the way as you’re leaving’’

‘’Unfortunately we are not done yet, so you’ll be better off on your own’’ Unique replied.

‘’Oh well good luck with your investigation’’ Jesuorobo added. Then he sauntered off without another word.

They were behind Jesuorobo as he strolled off then Chichi whispered ‘’he is a troubled young man – that one’’

‘’I see a rebellious young man with a lot of anger towards his father and the mistress who he believes is responsible for his mother’s death. Nevertheless, he is a good chap. The fact he was able to graduate speaks to his tenacity. I may not know much about his family problems but I believe his persistence will make him win the game’’

‘’What game?’’ Chichi asked.

‘’Oh weren’t you listening, he’ll kick that two faced woman out of his father’s house eventually. In other news, I don’t know about you but I think we need to call it quits today. I’m so tired and its getting late. If I interview another person, I’ll fall flat on my face and most importantly, I’ll miss out on the little clues’’

‘’Let’s go away then; we can finish another day. I’m tired too’’ Chichi admitted.

As they got into their car and drove away, someone was watching their every move from behind her lacy curtain. She watched with a stern gaze and her beautifully shaped natural nail clutched the curtain. The moment the pair drove off, she heaved a sigh of relief and stepped away from her curtain ‘’are they off now?’’ Imonitie asked.

‘’Yes’’ Pearl whispered, ‘’thank God’’

Meanwhile, Jesuorobo watched as the officers drove past in the grey Toyota Camry. He raised both hands up in surprise and swore at them ‘’fvcking twats! Thought they said they were not leaving now’’ then he continued on his way before muttering ‘’and that’s why I’ll never help you solve your case. You’ll never know what I saw’’

By the time Ms Bukola Badejo left, she had pushed her way through to Unique’s most annoying character on Obaretin Street! She had managed to beat the nosy Nogie, the chimney smoking fellow, the impatient Mr Okungbowa and the lying folks the Eboseles!

‘’That’s a modern day Jezebel for you right there’’ Unique whispered.

‘’She is a bit.ch that one!’’ Chichi whispered under her breath.
 
TWELVE

A minute or two later, Jesuorobo sauntered down the steps with a small bag behind his back ‘’gone for the remainder of the weekend’’ he announced. Bukkky made sure of that but it’s only a reprieve; I’ll be back on Monday after work’’

‘’I’m sorry to hear that’’ Unique said, ‘’anyway I was wondering if you can tell me what you know about your movement on the 11th of this month. It was the day the young child died and it was a Monday’’

‘’Ermm how do you mean?’’ Jesuorobo asked, ‘’it was a normal day for me. I went to work and came back as I usually do. I slept woke up and on my way to work the following day, I heard about the accident’’

Then Unique let out his favourite line that seemed to hook most neighbours ‘’we know someone in the neighbourhood was responsible for the act but that’s all we are letting out at this stage’’

Immediately Jesuorobo raised an eyebrow and whistled quietly ‘’wow! Someone is in trouble’’

‘’When did you get back from work that day?’’ Unique asked.

‘’Same time as I usually do; around 5.55 to 6pm. I’m usually indoors by 6pm sharp. I don’t go out much’’ then Chichi glared at his backpack and he backtracked ‘’well at least not during work days. I know I should be ashamed to say this but I don’t even drive for now’’

Suddenly he got up and announced he was leaving then Unique asked another question ‘’Mr Okungbowa, I’m sorry for the inconvenience but one last question. Did anyone visit you that evening from 7pm?’’

Then Mr Okungbowa sighed deeply ‘’no and I believe I’ve answered that question already. Now officers I beg to take my leave before items start getting lost in my house’’ then he marched off without a farewell and this time around, Unique didn’t stop him.

‘’I’m sorry’’ Ms Badejo whispered, ‘’it’s been a crazy day. You saw it yourself and I’m afraid that’s all we know’’

Then Unique nodded his head and gave her the talk about keeping her eyes and ear open. He stressed the importance before asking to speak with Jesuorobo. Then Ms Badejo opened her mouth and in that instant, she sealed her fate with Unique Adeleke.

She began by shaking her head from side to side before vomiting her venom ‘’I don’t know if Jesuorobo would be of much help to you. I’m afraid that young man is doomed – you saw it yourself. I didn’t want to say it in my husband’s presence but perhaps you need to arrest him for smoking igbo! Surely there must be a law where smoking igbo falls under; perhaps constituting a nuisance or something. Jesuorobo needs all the help in the world yet his father denies him. My husband and I have done our best for the young man but it seems like a wasted effort. My consolation is I have tried for the boy since the day I entered this house’’

‘’Uhmnnnnn!’’ Chichi uttered.

Then Ms Badejo continued ‘’he said I killed the poor woman i.e. his mother – God rest her soul but it’s untrue. My only offense was agreeing to marry a widower. Anyway I’m going off point. All I’m trying to say is the boy needs help. I will call him but I don’t know how someone who is high can offer any help so…’’

Suddenly Unique lost his temper ‘’Ms Badejo, I would like to speak to Jesuorobo. I plead with you not to hinder this investigation. In addition, I’ve worked in the force for quite a number of years and my first stint was at narcotics. I know how igbo smells and I know how common tobacco smells’’

Ms Badejo got up and smiled at them ‘’I mean well my good officers. I stay at home all the time and like Paul Simon sang, I know what I know. That boy is methodical in all his ways. I have seen him split that cigarette open and dice it up like its cheese. I’ve seen him mix in stuff like it’s a mix and match at a supermarket. I’ve seen him…’’

Then Chichi rose up as well and gave it to her ‘’madam, we are not having this conversation – WE ARE DONE WITH YOU! I am kindly asking that you call out the young man. I will not like to repeat myself’’ then Chichi glared at Unique and asked ‘’where is the handcuff please?’’

‘’I believe you left it in the car. We didn’t anticipate trouble but I believe you may need to retrieve it just in case’’

Then Ms Badejo looked at them with fear in her eyes ‘’there is no need for that please’’ then she shrugged her shoulders and added ‘’very well then, I’ll get him for you’’

All the while, Unique and Chichi were watching the mild drama. In times like this, it was good to hear people spill their guts! These were things they might not have known and here it was FOC (free of charge)

Emotions like this helped to make the police job easier. It could reveal if a person was worth chasing, it could reveal his motive or rule him out completely. Sometimes, it was good to get a little bit of these things. In about a minute or less, Unique decided he would press the pause on this one. As they watched the spectacle play out, a horn jolted them to reality. Immediately, Ms Badejo increased her wailing and Jesuorobo stood up and walked inside the house.

The horning continued and Ms Badejo proceeded to the gate with great difficulty. Some seconds later, an elderly man stepped out of the car and was comforting her. Another man (perhaps the electrician) walked past them with a brown leather bag ‘’Monday, please wait for me’’ the elderly man cried out.

By the time he arrived, he had a deep frown on his face ‘’I’m sorry officers, but I can’t be of much help’’ he said. ‘’My wife has told me about your request but I heard nothing that night’’

‘’Would you like to take a seat please – both of you’’ Unique requested.

‘’Its bad timing for me as you can imagine. My wife is pretty emotional as well…’’

‘’It will only take a minute or two’’ Chichi added.

Finally they sat down and the questions commenced. Mr Okungbowa was quite impatient and time and time again, he said he didn’t notice anything unusual. He had no visitors and he didn’t see or hear anything. He struggled to remember what he was doing on that day. It was Ms Badejo who reminded him the power was out ‘’what is unusual about that?’’ Mr Okungbowa replied in an exasperated tone, ‘’they take the light every blessed day’’

Then Ms Badejo reached for his arm lovingly and spoke in a calm voice ‘’a little child died on that day so it makes all the difference’’

Then Mr Okungbowa lost it ‘’I didn’t kill the little child. I know nothing and I saw nothing. I’ve said that a thousand times and I don’t know what more I can proffer. I have a son giving me grief, displaying his folly before strangers and causing his mother to weep! I have a stranger in my house working on an electrical fault. I don’t know this guy like that and we all know these people have light fingers. I have a gazillion things running through my mind and the last thing I need is to be interviewed!’’

Then the lady looked at the detectives in horror. She had a shocked expression on her face and it was clear to see she was mortified by the young man’s accusation ‘’pardon me please. I am so sorry you have to witness this show of shame. As you can imagine, Jesuorobo is puffing on something stronger than tobacco! Perhaps you are the help he needs. You may need to take him to the station once you are done. I tell his father all the time – this child needs tough love. He needs to spend a day or two behind bars! He needs help…’’

‘’C’mon gerrout of hereeeeeeeeeeeeee!’’ Jesuorobo yelled at her, ‘’me and you who need help pass? You can never have peace in this house. My mother said it and I’m here to ensure it remains so. My mother’s sprit will continue to haunt you as long as you remain in this house. 10 years and counting, Mrs you can’t bear, children you can’t bear. My mother cursed you nah abi you nor know? You say you wan die for this house abi? Na me go drag your body commot…’’

Then the lady began to cry ‘’I shall not die but live in Jesus name. I shall live to testify of God’s goodness in the land of the living. You mock me because I am without child abi? Let God be the judge. May he repay you back in your own coin. Perhaps that is why you call yourself a lawyer but you are nothing but an artisan…’’

Then Jesuorobo threw his cigarette butt on the ground and began to laugh like a mad man ‘’at least artisan dey work nahhhhhhhhhhhh!’’ then he turned to the detectives and smiled at them ’’olopa nor be so? Bricklayer, plumber, tailor, panel beater get work wen dem dey go every day. At least I go the school, I repeat sha, I still repeat the law school but today, I’ve been called to the Nigerian Bar’’

‘’Shame on you!’’ Ms Badejo cried out, ‘’I doubt you are truly a lawyer. How many years did you spend at UNIBEN? How long did you spend at the Law School in Bwari? I doubt you are a real lawyer; one of these days you shall be caught for impersonating a lawyer!’’

‘’Gerraway!’’ Jesuorobo yelled, ‘’my name is on the roll and even your juju nor fit strike am commot!’’

Then Ms Badejo pointed a finger at him and continued to yell ‘’you call that place you go to work? I doubt you are even going to a chamber. I am sure you branch off somewhere every morning – you are an embarrassment to the legal profession. Keep deceiving yourself - you have no job’’

‘’Thank you very much Ms Badejo, at least I dey work dey manage my small money. You wetin you dey doooooooooooooooooo? You say you dey go Nursing School na for there you hook! You start part time for UNIBEN since 1900, you never still finish. You start travel agency but na only yourself be client. In short you nor fit help yourself. You say you dey do sales girl work from there you thief person husband. You nor see your life? You enter house, siddon, morning till night you nor dey do anything. Ms Badejo, you are getting old oh! Nor say I nor warn you oh!’’

ELEVEN

The house directly opposite the Ebosele’s was owned by the man Nogie referred to as a recluse – the same man with a mistress who drove his wife out! Like most houses along the street, this was a small flat. The surrounding was unkempt and the gate was quite low.

It was safe to say the owners of the property didn’t have gardening on their agenda. There was a poor attempt by someone to clear up, but it ended up being worse. It was as if someone cut the grass, gathered it, torched it then doused it with water before scattering it again! Another large pile of grass and shrubs were thrown to a corner but this one was still fresh.

Unlike the other houses, this one didn’t have a hedge in front so it was quite easy to see the front porch. It was even more annoying to see an individual on black and white smoking and staring back at them. Unless he was deaf, he had upgraded himself to ‘utterly disgusting’ in Unique’s dictionary.

Then as though Chichi could read his thoughts, she simply announced ‘’is that guy deaf or what? I can see him as clearly as day light. The id.iot is smoking his life away while pretending he can’t hear us’’

Suddenly Unique yelled out ‘’it’s the police; can you open the gate please?’’

The gentleman continued smoking; he didn’t move a muscle. Soon enough, a lady stepped out of the house and began to yell at him. She went on for over a minute and the boy continued smoking and staring into the distance. Then the lady gave a long hiss and headed towards the gate ‘’good day madam’’ Unique said, ‘’it’s the police. We are here to investigate the hit and run that happened in your neighbourhood the other week’’ he raised his badge and the woman opened the padlock with a frown.

‘’Please come in’’ she announced in an angry tone. As they moved closer to the house, they could see the young man puffing away. He eyed the trio and stretched out his legs some more.

Then the woman spoke up again ‘’I’ll get chairs, I think we should sit outside. We are having electrical problems and my husband is away to get the electrician. I am Mrs Okungbowa by the way...’’

Suddenly the chimney wearing black and white fellow spoke up ‘’erm no you’re not Mrs Okungbowa and my father is not your husband. You are Ms Badejo the Nursing Assistant/Sales Girl who became a mistress…’’

‘’You are a big fool!’’ the lady replied in a clear tone. As she spoke she nodded her head like she had just spoken the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

‘’You are the bigger fo.ol if you believe you will ever be called Mrs Okungbowa. You were having an affair with my father your then boss. Your callousness led to the untimely death of my mother. How many months after her death, you moved down here to claim Mrs Okungbowa. Unfortunately how long has it been? How many years, yet that title eludes you and it shall continue to be so in Jesus name’’ then the young man spat into the distance and continued to stare into space.