COURT ROOM (EPISODE 24)

PBMH (2)-EPISODE 24 (COURTROOM)

EPISODE 24

                The Court Clerk ran through the proceedings. “Resuming the case from Wednesday 25^th April, 2012, Tunji Davis versus Chidi Obi for Fraudulent Acts.” He started. I stared at Mr. Davis who seemed relaxed in his seat. Jumoke Bankole came to court with her Father. Subomi Bankole was all smiles. The Jury was seated. Dora, Kolapo, Dare and Jacob were also seated.

                Judge Fatoye adjusted his glasses and cleared his throat. “This case was adjourned because the alleged witness of Ms. Darlene Williams didn’t show up in court last week. So, the case resumes with Ms. Williams. Over to you, Ms. Williams.”

                As I stood up, the Court door flung open. I turned round to see Sir Kunle Williams in court. “Dad.” I whispered, with a smile. He winked back and took his seat. I took a deep breath and faced the judge. “Your Honour, I would love to apologize to this honorable court for not being able to present my witness at the case last week. This was due to circumstances beyond my control. To that effect, I have prepared a fresh file and submitted to your office, Please accept my apologies.”

                                “Enough of the apologies, you little liar! Just end the sham here!” Subomi Bankole shouted.

                Judge Fatoye cleared his throat. “There would be order in my court, Mr. Bankole.”

                                “I am sorry, your Honour. I just can’t stand this little girl deceive the Nation.”

                Judge Fatoye hit the deck. “That’s your Final warning, Mr. Bankole. No slandering!”

                A wry smile lurked around my lips. “I apologize to my learned colleague, Mr. Bankole. I promise to put an end to the ‘sham’ now.” I said and swayed in confidence around the court room. “Last week, I told this court that Mr. Davis had bought the Land from Mr. Sameer Ali, the son of the Late Sheik Ali, and I am still standing by that.”

                There were murmurings around the court. “Everything would be revealed in due time.” I said, as I continued. “There are legit documents belonging to Mr. Davis showing that he is the sole owner of the land as they were signed duly by Sameer Ali.

                                “Objection, your honour!” Subomi said, as he sprang to his feet.

                Judge Fatoye declined his request. I smiled and continued. “On that ground, I would say I smell Forgery around the corner from Chidi Obi’s camp.”

                                “Objection, you honour!” Subomi interrupted.

                Judge Fatoye’s patience was growing lean. “Mr. Bankole, please contain yourself.”

                I smiled confidently. “Sameer Ali couldn’t show up in court last week, but today, I present to you the Witness, Mr. Sameer Ali.”

                Everyone watched the door carefully for Sameer Ali to show up. I stared at it patiently. My patience was soon rewarded as two Policemen flung the door open and SAMEER ALI walked in.

                                “IMPOSSIBLE!” Chidi Obi shouted. “I just spoke to Akume and he said you were with them.” Chidi Obi tried to rush at Sameer who made a grand walk up the aisle to the dock. Chidi Obi was restrained by Policemen.

                I smiled triumphantly. Subomi scratched his head. GAME UP!

                                “This is Sameer Ali, son of Sheik Ali.” I said, passing Sameer’s documents to the Court Attendant.

                Judge Fatoye nodded. “Now we have a case. Mr. Ali, could you tell this court the reason for your absence last week?”

                                “Thank you, your Honour. Last week Wednesday, I went for my early morning walk, but I was abducted by two goons from Mr. Obi so that I won’t be present in court.”

                The Judge stared at him. “How are you sure that they were from Mr. Obi?”

                                “Mr. Obi showed up himself at the place where I was kidnapped.”          

                Judge Fatoye nodded. “Tell us all you know about the Land case.”

                                “My late father instructed that on his passing away I sell the land to his good friend, Mr. Davis. After my father passed, Mr. Davis came with Mr. Obi to see me about the land. I sold it off to Mr. Davis in the presence of Mr. Obi at Dubai. Later in the evening, Mr. Obi came to me asking me to sell the same land to him, I explained to him that I had already sold it to his friend before his very eyes, but he begged that I retract it. I refused.” Sameer paused to drink some water. “The next morning, I noticed that the duplicate of the land deeds was missing from my safe, it was evident that Mr. Obi took them. I believe he must be parading this court with it as his own. I never sold any land to Mr. Chidi Obi.”

                The Judge sighed. “But the documents also look authentic?”

                Sameer nodded. “Yes, your honour. There’s a blue seal on the document, because he was able to imprint it from the duplicate, but there’s no signature on it, and that’s the main reason why I was abducted. But I can assure you that I have still not signed the documents.”

                Chidi Obi screamed. “He is lying. He is lying.” He yelled.

                                “Mr. Obi, last warning, or you are out of this place.” Judge Fatoye warned.

                Judge Fatoye looked over towards me. “Ms. Williams?”

                                “I would love to call Mr. Chidi Obi to the dock your honour.”

                Chidi Obi took his seat. “I AM NOT GUILTY.” He shouted

                I nodded with a smile. “Mr. Obi, you have been accused by Mr. Ali for Kidnapping him and Fraudulent Acts. It might please you to know that your two goons- Akume and Obaro have confessed to the Kidnapping and I have their statements here.” I said, handing it over to the Court Attendant.

                                “I…I don’t know those names.” He said, fidgeting.

                  I smiled. “Of course…you do, Mr. Obi. Anyway, I would love to know the reason why you tried to rob your friend, Mr. Davis?”

                                “I said I am INNOCENT!” He shouted.

                                “Of course you are not!” Caro said, as she flung the court door open.

                Mr. Obi sank in his seat. “You too?” he shouted.

                                “Who are you?” Judge Fatoye asked.

                Caro straightened up. “My name is Caroline James, and I am a Nurse by profession, your Honour.”

                                “And what do you have connected to this case?” he probed.

                She sighed. “I come here as a Witness for the prosecution against Mr. Chidi Obi.”

                                “Please register as a Witness and come over to the dock.”

                Caro immediately obliged and walked over to the dock. She went through the swearing formalities and it was time for examination.

                                “Tell this Court how you are connected to the case, Ms. James.” I started.

                She took a deep breath. “I am Caroline James; I was employed by Chidi Obi to administer drugs that would make Sameer Ali lose his memory during the time of his kidnap. I did as instructed, but I always administered an anti-dote because I couldn’t bring myself to reducing Sameer Ali to a vegetable. I have with me statements from Chidi Obi’s credit cards which I used to buy the drugs and doses that I administered.” She said, and the court attendant collected them from her.

                Chidi Obi was now sweating. He had been provided with a bottle of cold water.

                                “That would be all from me, your Honour.” I said.

                Judge Fatoye took a deep breath. “Mr. Chidi Obi to the dock, please.”

                                “With all the charges counted against you and evidences laid down, do you claim to be INNOCENT or are you GUILTY?” he asked.

                Chidi Obi took a deep sigh. “Your Honour, I have a family and two lovely grandkids.” He started.

                I smiled. VICTORY TIME, CHIDI OBI WAS CONCEEDING DEFEAT.

                                “Please have mercy on my good name, I am sorry.” He continued, shedding some tears that I didn’t know if they were real or fake. Old people shouldn’t cry, it sounds like chuckles!

                Judge Fatoye nodded. “ARE YOU GUILTY OR INNOCENT?”

                                “Guilty as charged.” He said, with his head down. The court roared in victory. And the Clerk immediately restored order.

                Judge Fatoye looked up. “We would have a brief Adjournment for just thirty minutes, after which I shall pass my verdict.” He said, and walked in.

                The Court remained silent as the Jury clustered for their verdict and we waited anxiously for Judge Fatoye’s return.

                The Appointed time soon came. “Before I pass my final verdict, have you anything to say, Counsels?”

                                “I am satisfied, your Honour,” I said, with a radiant smile.

                He looked at Subomi. Subomi Bankole struggled up to his feet. “Since my client…erm…has pleaded guilty…erm…I plead for minimal sentence for him, taking into consideration that he is a family man, with grandkids.”

                Judge Fatoye straightened up. “The society has become ridiculous thanks to people like Mr. Chidi Obi making use of dubious means to have whatever they want. This has got to stop; I want to hail the character and determination of the young and brilliant Ms. Darlene Williams, who took the pain to find her witness against all odds. This is something worthy of emulation. Our country needs more people like you.”

                I bowed courteously.

                Judge Fatoye cleared his throat. “This is my verdict. To Akume and Obaro, and other goons of Mr. Chidi Obi, they are to appear in court at a later date. Ms. Caroline James is also to be arraigned in court at a later date; all are accomplices of Mr. Chidi Obi and would be dealt with appropriately. Surprisingly, at the break, Mr. Obi sent in the name of Mr. Femi Ade-Cole as his close accomplice, an arrest warrant should be issued for him and he would be tried accordingly.” He said.

He took a deep breath. “Mr. Chidi Obi has been charged with Kidnapping and Fraudulent Acts, HE IS FOUND GUILTY AS CHARGED and is hereby sentenced to 50 years imprisonment, not subject to trials. This is my Judgment!”

                “May the Court please rise.”

We all waited the exit of Judge Fatoye. Philip saw Caro out of the courtroom. The court erupted in celebrations as soon as Judge Fatoye left.

                “Dad!” I said as I hugged him.

He was full of smiles. “Congratulations, Darlene. Thanks for sparing our family’s blushes.” He said, as we laughed.

A policeman man handcuffed Chidi Obi and moved him along. Chidi Obi stopped when he got to us. He saw Dora. “Sandra Jite, right?” he asked.

                “No, it’s Dora Williams.” She replied, with a smile.

Chidi Obi looked stunned. “What? Oh no…it was you who did her coming-out recently, right? You fooled me.”

Dora nodded. “Yes, you wanted to make a fool of my family, so we found out everything and here you are Old man.”

Chidi Obi sighed and the Policemen escorted him out. We all laughed.

I hugged Dora. “Thanks Sis. You are the best.”

Toni came rushing. “Hi darling…” she shouted. We hugged tightly. “I am so proud of you, the Press is massive outside, and they are waiting for you.”

                “Let them wait.” I replied, with a smile.

Kolapo came over. “Hi Darlene, Congratulations. You did it.”

                “We all did. I am so proud of you. Thanks a lot.” I said, hugging him.

I turned around to see Dare. “Hey…Thanks, Dare.”

 He smiled. “I am so proud of you, Darlene.” he said, as we hugged. “And I am sorry that I am not the man you love.” He whispered.

I smiled. “Oh well…and still I didn’t get my heartbreak from you.” I replied, with a smile.

                “The Press really just wants to have a picture of you, right now.” He said, with a smile.

I nodded. “I know, but they would wait to see to smile a little more.” I replied and walked over to Jacob who was sitting by the window. “Hi wedding boy.” I said, trying to be funny.

                “Really, Darlene?” he gave a questioning look with his eyebrow raised.

I nudged him in the waist. “Have a sense of humour.”

                “Darlene, I am so proud of you.” he started. I was all smiles. Jake never had to say much to tickle me. “I just wished you knew how much I love you.” my eyes lit up with excitement. “I mean, right now.” He said, and stuck his tongue out.

I hit him on his shoulder. “You are so mean.”

                “Yet…you just love me, don’t you?” he said, smiling.

I felt a light tap on my shoulder. I turned round to see Subomi Bankole. “Congratulations, Ms. Williams, I guess I couldn’t get another one over a Williams.”

                “If my Dad lost to you based on your lies, I would like that case revisited, you never won.” I said, standing up to him.

He nodded. “Of course, I can’t say much right now. But Congratulations, all the same.” He said and walked away.

Jake nudged me. “Darlene, you are mean.”        

               

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                                “Ms. Williams…look over here. Ms. Williams, How did you mastermind the finding of your witness? Are you going to Charge Subomi Bankole too as an Accomplice?”

                Dad suddenly halted and whispered to me. “Try to answer the press for once. You deserve it.”

                I smiled and stared at them. “Three questions only.”

                                “My name is Peju Adeoye from BABSS WORLDWIDE… Ms. Williams, how do you want to describe your achievement? Against all odds you have successfully locked up one of the city’s biggest tyrant.”

                I nodded. “ALL THANKS TO GOD.”

                                “I am Gbenro Adejare. Ms. Williams, it is a big shock to the city that you beat Subomi Bankole, is this revenge for your Father’s losing to Subomi years ago?”

                I sighed. “Erm…when the facts are right and the truth is obvious, it is not a matter of revenge, it is a matter of Justice.”

                                “Ms. Williams, Me!!! Ms…Williams…Over here….Please Ms. Williams”

                I turned round to see Bobby from the BRT bus. “Hey Bobby.” I said with a smile.

                                “Congratulations.” He said. “Would you take my question?”

                I nodded. “Most definitely.”

                                “My name is Bobby, and for my school term paper on- ‘The Fall of Chidi Obi - a modern day tyrant’, Can I submit it now?” he asked, with a sly smile.

                I nodded with tears in my eyes. I had told Bobby to submit after the Case just in case I didn’t win, so that his paper won’t seem ridiculous. Journalists immediately turned to Bobby requesting for his piece. It was obvious that Bobby was on his way to being popular. Some journalists murmured about how Bobby wasted their opportunity to ask a ‘killer question’. Do they ever get tired?

                I walked away from the crowd to the Car where Dad was waiting. “Thanks Dad.”

                                “For what?” he asked.

                I smiled. “I always wanted to see you at something important to me.”

                                “Come here.” He said, and hugged me. “I am so sorry, and for the record, I am proud of you.”

                I looked up. “Dad, do you forgive me for Mom’s death?” I asked. Mom had died while running to attend to me when she heard me scream. I had always felt responsible for it ever since I knew the story.

                Dad sighed. “I have never held you responsible, Darlene Williams.” He said. “I am sorry.” He said, and gave me a kiss on the forehead. “Can we be friends again?” he asked.

                                “Were we ever friends?” I asked with a grin.

                He ruffled my hair. “You little rascal!” he smiled. “Let’s go, the others are waiting.”

               

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                                “Sameer would be on the next flight to Dubai. I have arranged for Protection for him on his way there.” Dad said as he drove.

                I smiled. “Thanks Dad.”

                                “It’s nothing. It’s something I should do for you.”

                I nodded. “Dad, you know, for the first time in my life, I am glad we are doing something together.”

                                “Come off it, Williams. Now, I have a special proposal for you. Are you going to join my Firm?”

                I scoffed. “Really? NO!” I laughed, mockingly.

                                “Oh come on Darlene, it’s a rare opportunity. It won’t affect your salary or your monthly stipends as my daughter. I won’t have a say on your contract fees.”

                I rolled my eyes. “NOOOOOOOO…..”

                                “Darlene, don’t be a mean child. You can still live in my house till you get married, eat my food, and drive any car you want, since you can drive. Use my credit card if you wish, just work for me.”

                I stuck out my tongue. “I didn’t need your credit card before, why would I now?”

                                “Are you turning down your old man?” he asked, making a sad face.

                I nodded. “I want to work as a contract lawyer, not tied to anyone.”

                He sighed. “I understand, anyway, I would hire you frequently. I would make you my employee by all means.” He said, smiling.

                                “I want you to close your eyes.” Dad said, as we walked in. I obliged and then he covered them with his eyes. “Ta-da!!!!!!” he said, and opened it.

                There was a victory party in the house. “CONGRATULATIONS!” Everyone shouted.

                                “Thank you everyone. This victory is not mine, but ours. I hope we have a nice time together. Cheers everyone.” I said, raising my glass.

                I walked away from the Party as my friends seemed to be having more fun than myself. I took my seat at the Pool, my usual spot. I had time to reflect on my defeat where I almost drowned myself in the same pool. I took a deep breath and smiled. I felt fulfilled.

                                “Should you be alone?” Jake asked.

                I turned round and smiled. “Come.”

                He joined me by the pool. “Darlene, I am so happy for you.” he said, with a smile.

                I placed my head on his shoulder. I would take advantage of my last moments with the man I love before he got married. “I missed you, Jake. I am so sorry.” I said.

                                “It’s alright. It was my fault. I guess I babied you too much.” He said, giving me a kiss on the forehead.

                I stayed in his arms until it was night. We talked about our childhood and laughed about memories.

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                                                                                                                A week after the court case

I joined Jake to carry a glass table into the living room.

                                “Be careful.” He said as we dropped the table in the centre. “I think this would look good here.”

                I nodded. “And the Plasma would look good right there.” I said, pointing at the wall. “Or not?”

                Jake shrugged. “I don’t know. This place would be temporary though, probably a year after the wedding, we would move into my own designed house.”

                                “Is Dora aware of this place? I get the feeling I am playing her role here. You should be doing this with her.”

                He shrugged. “She doesn’t know. It should be a surprise.”

                                “But, couples usually pick out their things together, I even picked the sheets for the bed and kitchen wares, I don’t feel right about it. I don’t want to hurt her.”

                Jake sighed. “Come on Darlene, don’t be such a pain. I am here with you, simple. Why are you so stressed?”

                                “I won’t feel good if my man picked out our house things with another woman.”

                He nodded. “Sorry. Tell your man that. I do what I please.” He said, and left to fetch the wallpapers.

                Jake had bought a Porsche Bungalow on the Banana Island, it cost him a lot, but it is a beautiful flat. We had chosen wallpapers to decorate the Flat. Jake had returned his BMW to his father’s house and bought himself a Car from his Paycheck. He was really bent on being ‘his own man’.

                                “Darlene…” he called from outside.

                I joined him as we brought in the rest of the house furniture. The best part of our shopping was helping him pick out some Neck Ties, I had always wanted to do that forever. My Jake was going to wear a Suit.

                Jake left for the Bedroom. “This is beautiful.”

                I nodded in agreement. The Bedroom had a verandah. It exposed one to the beautiful trees. I took a deep breath and felt the rush of air from the sea breeze. “This is beautiful.” Jake stood behind me. At that moment, I was tempted to tell him that he shouldn’t marry Dora, but I couldn’t stop him.

                                “Erm…I want to check the backyard. There’s a pool and a space for a grill there. Wanna come?” he asked pulling my hand.

                I smiled. “You leave me no choice.” I said, and followed him.

                The backyard looked spacious. The pool wasn’t as big as the one at Dad’s house but it was a decent size. There was a field for proper grilling. Jake’s house looked good. I only hoped that it would be a home with Dora.