When Mr. Lewis got home, it was already 11pm. He was very tired as he had been meeting with his business associates since morning. He owned an oil servicing company which was one of the biggest in the country. His clients included Shell, Chevron, Total, among other top oil companies in the country. His company recently added a new client to their list, so the meeting was aimed at dotting the ''i"s and crossing the 't"s.
He undressed quickly and went into the bathroom. He needed to shower and seek the comfort of his bed. He had been awake for the greater part of the night before, as he was busy getting ready for the meeting.
His phone started ringing immediately he started bathing, so he couldn't come out to take the call. He would call back after his shower. But the phone started ringing for the second time, then, third…, it continued as though the caller's phone was on automatic redial. Mr. Lewis was fuming with anger. Why would anybody call more than twice? Was the caller trying to wake him up from the dead? Mr. Lewis hated it so much when people dialed him more than twice without giving a reasonable interval. Whoever that was calling should know that he couldn't take the call if he didn't do that at the second ring. "Idiot!" he cursed and decided not to be bothered by the call.
But as the phone continued to ring, his anger was replaced with panic. Maybe someone was in danger or had urgent message for him. He quickly rounded off and dashed out of the bathroom. The phone started ringing for the fifteenth time as he stepped into the room. He practically ran and grabbed the phone off the nightstand and picked the call without checking to find out who the caller was.
"Hello!" he said urgently.
"They are coming for you," the caller said huskily.
Mr. Lewis quickly checked the screen of his phone to find out who the caller was. Maybe he called a wrong number. When he checked, he noticed that it was a private number.
"Who is this?" he asked angrily. He was sure it was one idiot looking for attention and money that was disturbing his life. After a stressful day, some lunatic would think that it was funny to play pranks on him. He hung up and threw the phone on the bed. He hissed and went to the wardrobe to fetch his night dress. What he desperately needed was some rest. He wasn't ready to listen to some crazy folk. He was half way to the wardrobe when the phone started ringing again. He allowed it to ring, making up his mind to allow the caller dial as many times as he wanted. He contemplated switching off the phone but decided against that. He might miss important calls.
By the time he was done putting on his dress, the caller had called eleven more times. When the phone started ringing for the twelfth time, he decided to answer again. Maybe this desperate caller had a good reason for running down his battery. It would be better to hear the nonsense than miss important message.
"Why are you disturbing me, my friend?" he asked, surprisingly sounding calm.
"I am not your friend. I am just concerned," the caller said acidly. "I am trying to save your life and you are ignoring my calls. I can see that you don't want to be saved. I apologize for disturbing you. Have a good night rest," the caller said and hung up before Mr. Lewis could stop him.
Mr. Lewis just made a grievous mistake and he knew he did. He should have given the caller the opportunity to explain himself. What if some people were actually after him? He must call the caller back, apologize to him and possibly promise him some financial reward. He grabbed his phone to dial the caller and that was when it struck him that the caller had called with a private number.
"Damn it!" he cursed, throwing the phone on the bed, this time very hard. The phone would have shattered if it was thrown on a hard surface. He really messed up. Someone wanted to volunteer information to him but he arrogantly discouraged him. Now he was going to live in suspense, hoping that the caller would have a change of mind and call again. He sincerely hoped he would.
It was a long night. He tossed about in bed, getting up at intervals to pace as he considered the consequences of his action. What if those killers the caller was referring to, were coming that night? Would it not be better to flee? "No!" he shook his head vigorously. "It is better to stay here," he tried to convince himself. As a former Inspector General of Police, he had many policemen patrolling the perimeter of his house. They were equal to the challenge.
He eventually slept but that was his most restless sleep ever. When he woke up in the morning, he felt as though he wrestled with giants in his sleep. His whole body ached badly. Instinctively, he reached for his phone hoping to have missed the caller's calls but he never did. He felt so depressed and helpless. Throughout the day, he kept close to his phone, anticipating the caller's call but it never came. Each time his phone rang, he hastily reached for it, hoping that it was the caller but his hope was always dashed.
When eventually the caller called, his heart leaped for joy. At last he would get the information the caller had for him. His joy was quickly replaced with a mixed feeling. The caller could be a messenger of doom. But it would be better to get the information as that would equip him for the challenges ahead.
"I am sorry for being rude to you yesterday," Mr. Lewis apologized.
The caller ignored his apology. "They are coming for you," he told him just like the night before. The coldness in his voice made Mr. Lewis' heart to stop momentarily. There was something sinister about the caller's voice.
"Who are they and why are they coming for me?" Mr. Lewis asked, pretending not to be frightened. He was actually never given to fear but since his daughter, Angela was killed in the broad daylight he became afraid at the slightest stimulation. He had learnt from his daughter's assassination that no man was invincible no matter the number of security men around.
"This time you won't escape," It seemed the caller enjoyed teasing people. "You need to do something urgently or you will live to regret it or die a painful death. Disaster is looming, and it is hovering over you."
'Please make me understand what you are talking about. The suspense is killing me," Mr. Lewis could no longer pretend that all was well. His imagination was running wild. Who was after him? He had stepped on so many toes in the past, so it was difficult to guess who amongst them was trying to take his pound of flesh. He was sure to beat the avenger to his game only if the caller would give him a clue as to who he was.
"About ten years ago, a young detective indicted you in a case of counterfeiting, money laundering and several assassinations. Instead of turning yourself in to be tried, you used your position as the IGP and turned the case against the young man. You connived with Aso rock, got him arrested, prosecuted him before a judge chosen and anointed by you, convicted him and of course sentenced him to fifteen year in prison. Still not satisfied, you approached the comptroller of the prison where he was serving his jail terms and asked him to kill him and claim that he tried to escape from the prison. Instead of killing him, the comptroller, a man with a good heart, faked the young man's death and smuggled him out of the country. He stayed in exile for two and half years before he came back. Somehow you got wind of it and sent your boys who finally killed him." The caller paused for a while. He was having fun at the expense of the former IGP who was sweating profusely. "I believe you thought you never left a trace," the caller continued, "but I am happy to inform you that his ghost is on a revenge mission. His ghost has come to haunt you and unless you do something drastic, it would hunt you down. As I speak with you right now, a couple has concluded all arrangements to reopen that case and I can assure you that they have all the evidence required to nail you," he paused again, as Mr. Lewis furiously paced the floor. He knew the implication of the event that was playing out. He couldn't doubt the caller. How could he doubt a man that had so much information? He must act fast. He only hoped that the caller could reveal the identity of the couple. The rest would be history.
"You should find them and eliminate them before they eliminate you. That's the only way out. Strike before they apply for the reopening of that case because the moment they do, if anything happens to them, all fingers will point at you." The caller didn't need to tell the former police boss what to do, how to do it and when to do it. The former IGP was an expert in that field. He knew what to do but what he didn't know was why the caller was concerned about him. He didn't even know who the caller was.
"Who are you and why are you concerned about me? Or are you trying to exchange information for money?" the former IGP wondered. "Go ahead and name your price. I am ready to pay you any amount but I need you to give me the identity of the couple."
"I neither want your money nor any favour from you." The caller sounded embarrassed. "But one day you will understand why I am doing this," he said and the line went dead.
Mr. Lewis sat in silence pondering over the information that was just made available to him. Everything the caller said was correct. In fact, he knew too much. After a long period of thinking, he penciled three persons down for immediate assassination. He must send his hit men after the said couple and Mr. Jacob. It was a Friday night and he didn't see any reason why the couple should live till Monday. According to the caller, the application for the reopening of Chike's case would be filed on the Monday of the following week. The couple would surely be dead before then. He would then look for JJ and kill him as well. He wouldn't cheat death this time.
The first time the former IGP tried to kill JJ was about seven years back when he learnt that Chike was alive, that JJ smuggled him out of the country instead of killing him as agreed. The former IGP had felt so betrayed, fooled and angered that he had sent his boys to kill JJ immediately but unfortunately for him, JJ was out of the country at that moment. They had kept following up on him so as to track him down and kill him upon his return but he never returned. Maybe he had relocated to Canada for good and to the former IGP that was good riddance to bad rubbish. But with the current turn of events, it was obvious the JJ had returned to Nigeria.
"He has finally returned to cause havoc for me," Mr. Lewis soliloquized as he poured himself some brandy. He usually calmed himself down with brandy whenever he was tensed up. "This time nothing will save him. His days are numbered." The soliloquy continued as he sipped his brandy.
After killing the couple and Mr. Jacob, his men must fish out the caller and kill him. "That boy knows too much." He concluded.
When the assassins arrived at Sam's house that Saturday night, the couple had gone to bed. The last few weeks had been so hectic for them. They had met scores of individuals, visited lots of institutions, made and received uncountable phone calls, did a lot of researches on the internet, and of course, spent so much money. They had just submitted all the documents needed for effective prosecution of the case to the lawyer and were trying to get some rest. They were mindful of the fact that the case would soon take off and from every indication more hectic days were ahead. So they were trying to get all the rest they could get before the commencement of the case. It was therefore, not surprising that as early as 7pm, they had gone to bed. Their children were still with Nneka's parents, so there was no disturbance whatsoever.
As they slept peacefully, the assassins scaled the fence, caught the gate keeper and tied his limbs. They were matching to the front door when the hitherto dark compound suddenly became lit.
"Freeze!" a voice instructed as the assassins made to take cover. "Just stay where you are. You are surrounded and rest assured that you will be shot down if you make any wrong move," the voice warned.
The assassins were shocked at the turn of events. It seemed that the hunter had become the hunted. But what went wrong? They did their background checks very well and discovered no danger. It was a setup. Someone had set them up. Someone had betrayed them. But who could that be? Whoever it was had messed them up and even the former police boss was in trouble too.
"Drop your weapons, kick them out of reach and put your hands in the air. This is an instruction, not a plea," the voice came again. It was over and the assassins knew it. Any wrong move would attract disaster. They didn't have a choice but to comply. They did as they were instructed and within a split second, they were rounded up by a combined team of military and police personnel. They were handcuffed and taken away in police vans.
As the police van sped off, Nneka jumped into Sam's waiting arms and the couple had a tight and prolonged embrace. "You are a master planner, honey," Nneka said happily and Sam smiled with pride.
Just as Nneka said, the whole plan was Sam's. He was the one that called Mr. Lewis and informed him about the couple that was planning to reopen Chike's case. He knew that the former IGP would send assassins after them, so he arranged with the military and police to send their men to arrest the assassins. Everything had worked according to plan and now Chike's case would be easy to win. The assassins would soon name their paymaster and by the time the assassination attempt was linked to Chike's case, the former IGP would have no hiding place.
As expected, the assassins confessed immediately, indicting the former IGP in the process. Mr. Lewis was arrested the next morning and arraigned in court two weeks later. The charges leveled against him included; counterfeiting, money laundering, intimidation, abuse of power, massacre and attempted assassination. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges and the legal tussle began. He engaged the services of a senior advocate of Nigeria, who happened to be one of the best lawyers of his time. The lawyer did all in his power to save the former IGP but the evidence against him was overwhelming.
After three months of intensive legal battle, Mr. Lewis was convicted as charged and sentenced to death by hanging. As he was led to the prison van stationed outside the court room, Sam appealed to the prison guard to allow him few minutes with the convict and they obliged him. Sam approached him, whispered into his ear and smiled. Mr. Lewis staggered and would have slumped if not for the timely intervention of the guards who caught and steadied him for a while before he proceeded to the waiting van. He kept looking back at Sam as he walked to the van; the look on his face was that of confusion and fear. Even when the van pulled out, he continued to stare at Sam through the small window in the vehicle. The expression on his face remained the same till the van was out of sight.
"What did you tell him that got him so stunned?" Nneka asked her husband.
Sam smiled at his lovely wife. "I told him to say hi to Lucifer when he gets to hell," he said and laughed
"That was mean," Nneka said, laughing as well. She sobered up suddenly and started staring at her husband.
"What?" Sam asked, sobering up, too. "Is anything the matter?"
"Thank you," Nneka said, as tears welled up in her eyes.
"For what?" Sam asked.
"For everything," Nneka's voice shook with emotion and the tears began to roll down her cheeks. "I don't know what I would have done if I weren't blessed with a man like you," Thank you. Thank you, so much," she sobbed.
Sam pulled her into his arms and hugged her. "You don't have to thank me for anything. What I did was what I was supposed to do. Whatever I do for you, I do it for myself. We are one, remember?" he stepped from their embrace to look her in the face. He dried her tears tenderly and that made Nneka to cry some more. We should owe all the thanks to the Almighty God who won this case for us. Without Him, this feat wouldn't have been possible. Chike can now rest in peace and that also means peace for you…, for us." He caressed her hair and kissed her on the forehead. "Honey, smile for this is the day the Lord has made and we must rejoice and be glad in it."
Nneka smiled amidst her tears and kissed her husband passionately.
The former IGP later appealed his judgment but his conviction was upheld even up to the Supreme Court. He was executed a month after the Supreme Court delivered judgment. His accomplices were sentenced to life imprisonment.
*****
The international conference centre, Abuja was filled to capacity. Dignitaries had gathered from all walks of life to witness the posthumous conferment of national award of Commander of the Federal Republic on Chike Agu. The honours award on Chike was at the instance of the President who felt that the detective should be honoured and immortalized for paying the ultimate price while fighting for justice in Nigeria. The award would be administered by the president himself and Sam had been chosen to receive it on Chike's behalf. It was a very special day in the lives of Chike's parents, friends, former colleagues at work and those that wished him well. Mr. Okoli, the former C.I.D boss was highly elated. At last, Chike had gotten the well-deserved justice that had eluded him over the years. Chike could now rest in peace while the former C.I.D boss would be at peace with his conscience, knowing full well that he played a role in securing justice for the slain detective.
Emeka and David were equally elated. Chike had suffered so much injustice while trying to give justice to the downtrodden. Today, he was being honoured for all his efforts…, by the president himself. More gladdening was the fact that they had been listed for recognition by the president. The President might not just recognize them; he might reward them financially, too. After the treatment Chike got from the state, Emeka and David, just like Mr. Okoli, had resigned their jobs in solidarity. They had gone into partnership with Mr. Okoli in his security Guard business and had succeeded immensely. But even at that, they wouldn't mind financial reward from the country they worked so hard to rid of criminals.
Nneka for her part was on top of the world. Her happiness was immeasurable. Justice for Chike was what she had prayed fervently for since his death. Now Chike could rest in peace and she too could have peace of mind. As far as she was concerned she had done all that she promised to do for him. First she and her husband had adopted his parents and treated them like their own. And they had finally secured justice for him and hence attracted national honour his way, though posthumously. Chike must be very happy wherever he was at the moment.
The event started as soon as the President and his entourage arrived at the venue. The president was on time and that had been the situation since he took over the reins of power. He believed that time was very valuable and must not be wasted.
Mr. Okoli was given the honour of presenting a citation to Chike as Sam stepped forward to receive the investiture on the detective's behalf. Chike was no doubt the best detective that worked under Mr. Okoli and the former C.I.D boss ensured that the best moments of the awardee at the C.I.D were captured. Sam relished the moment and it was evident on his face. His face glowed like a star in the firmament. A cursory look at him revealed a fulfilled man. If not that it was clearly stated that the awardee was dead, that the award was posthumous, most guests would have believed that Sam was Chike. He was indeed the proudest representative of an awardee in the history of mankind.
Shortly after decorating Sam with the medal, the President mounted the podium:
Let me start by apologizing on behalf of the government and people of Nigeria to the family and friends of late Mr. Chike Agu for the injustice done them. It was very unfortunate that those that he was trying to protect were the people that ganged up and killed him. Please accept my apologies. I also wish to apologize for all the hardship you have passed through sequel to his death, be it financial, emotional or otherwise. My happiness is that he got justice at last, though I must add that it was belated. But it is better late than never. It is true that the justice will not bring him back but, at least it would give succour to you and also restore your confidence and hope in this country. It feels good to know that one day evil men would face the law. It is a source of hope to the law abiding citizens and a deterrent to criminals.
(Applause)
Apart from the national honours award posthumously bestowed on him, we have also decided to compensate his family financially. In the first place, the federal government will pay a compensation of one hundred million naira to the family. We know that no amount of money is equal to life but this is the least we can do. Secondly, we have decided to promote him and from the day he received his last salary till date, his new salary will be calculated and paid with interest. His family will also be entitled to his salary for the next twenty years.
(Thunderous applause)
I want to thank Mr. Samson and Mrs. Nneka Okeke for fighting for Chike's justice. I am sure that wherever the detective is right now, he will be very happy. I was told that you also adopted his parents as yours. I can assure you that your good deeds will not go unrewarded. Even if man fails to reward you, the Almighty God won't. He never forsakes people of goodwill. Please may Mr. and Mrs. Okeke and Chike's parents stand for acknowledgement?
(There was a standing ovation when they stood.)
I will not fail to recognize those that helped him to succeed as a detective. First on the list is Mr. Okoli who happened to be his boss. Please stand so that we can appreciate you.
(There was a loud applause as Mr. Okoli stood briefly.)
Chike succeeded because of your mentorship and support and to that, we say thank you. I understand you resigned your job as a protest to the injustice meted out to him. That was a clear demonstration of comradeship. You are truly a man of honour and this government has decided to reward you. You will get an instant reward of twenty million naira and your salary will be restored till you die.
(There was another thunderous applause.)
Same goes for Mr. Emeka and David. Please, can they stand for recognition?
(The two young men stood up amidst cheers and applause.)
You will get fifteen million naira each and salaries for life even though you no longer work with the C.I.D and if for any reason you wish to come back, I have instructed the IGP to reabsorb you with immediate effect. And if that is the case, you will be promoted to suit your current status.
(Another deafening applause.)
The choice is yours.
And finally, I wish to eulogize Mr. Jacob for being a man with some milk of humanness. Please can you stand for recognition?
(Mr. Jacob stood amidst applause.)
This man saved Chike's life. He didn't succumb to the former IGP and I must commend his wizardly in smuggling Chike out of the country without leaving a trace. The Almighty God will continue to protect you and yours. You will be rewarded by this government. I promise you.
Finally, let me thank all of you for making out time to come. God bless you all!