Defilement: Abiodun is dead

My defence of a criminal trial for heinous defilement of a minor by a client.

I could hear my caller loud and clear over her sobbing.

She faltered, stopped, and started up again.

‘’Abiodun is dead,’’ she said in Yoruba. A sudden awakening. My body and soul went into a split-second recess, nailing the calm in them.

‘’Ka san’’ means good afternoon. I responded. Trying to control both of us.

I was at a final meeting with a new prospect who wanted to incorporate a private security company in Nigeria, and Taitum was to act as company secretary for one of his other thriving companies. I have taken his brief via several phone calls and WhatsApp messages, and bills have been agreed upon without haggling. The meeting was to put a face to me or my team and for him to commission us for the job.

I could not fail to ask my next usual question. I ask my mutual friends. That question was wrong at that moment, considering the sad news. Somehow I still asked, ‘’Mi o wa oooo’’ means I am not fine. The blunt response and the stretched last sound typically drive home the point. This is understandable. It was a proper use for her feelings at the moment.

‘’Please let me call you back soon,’’ I replied calmly. I usually do not pick up calls at meetings. I only make exceptions for some people and pick up some calls based on instinct. Plus, the caller was a client who is now a very good friend and loyal supporter of Taitum and its business, especially through client referrals.

Usually, most calls from her do last for minutes, and we do usually touch on many subjects of our business and that of hers.

My caller ended the call immediately.

I apologised to the new prospect. I sipped from the bottle of water before me. It pushed the thick clog around my throat down my dry lungs. I raised my head in an upright state to face the prospect and continue our meeting. Not long after, our meeting was over. We were commissioned for the job.

However, my mind was on the news from my caller, Blessing. I took my phone to call Blessing, and she picked up almost immediately. Perhaps she was expecting my call.