Next Day
Saturday, 24th November 2018
8:30 a.m.
Inspector Osbourne strolled into the Ikoyi Divisional Police Station and was directed to the office of the person he wanted to see. He knocked and immediately entered without waiting to be asked in. Princewill Jackson had been on the phone, but as soon as he saw the door open and the inspector walking in, he asked the other party to ring him back by noon, then he ended the call.
“Inspector Osbourne,” Princewill Jackson said, as he stood up. He glanced at his wristwatch, and added, “I wasn’t expecting you, and not this early.”
“I know, and sorry to interrupt your call.”
Princewill Jackson looked at the phone in his hand, then placed it on his desk. “It’s not a problem at all, Inspector. I can always call the person back.”
“All right, and please, call me Tunde.” Inspector Osbourne took a seat, then pulled out an envelope from the inner pocket of his jacket and handed it over to Princewill Jackson.
“Did something happen?” Princewill Jackson collected the envelope.
Inspector Osbourne nodded, then said, “Open it.”
Princewill Jackson scrunched his eyebrows, then tore the envelope open. One look at the content, he raised his eyebrows, surprised. “What is this?”
“It’s a cheque.”
“Of a million naira, yes.” Princewill Jackson raised the cheque. “And it’s addressed to me.”
“I spoke to the commissioner, and he agreed to compensate you as part of the balance for those photos you shared with me. For without you, we would have never been able to solve the case.”
“It’s solved?”
“Yes.” Inspector Osbourne paused. “But just as you thought, Doctor Umanze alone was behind it all. Well, the murders, that is.”
“Really?” Princewill Jackson was surprised. Yes, he had his suspicions, but he expected the doctor and his lover to be behind it. Maybe the doctor on the driver’s seat, but not just him alone.
Inspector Osbourne nodded. “He had gone back to the hotel to drop Desola Ogunba’s access card in his wife’s handbag, and the wife woke up, threatening to ruin his life.”
“So he had something to lose after all.”
“Yes. His license, his career, his hospital, his family, and his affair, in that order.”
“That’s everything to lose. No wonder he would want to kill her. And Kamar Ogunba?”
“An unfortunate kill. He was just in the wrong place and at the wrong time.”
“Because he was deceived into being there in the first place,” Princewill Jackson added. “So I would rather say that he was where they wanted him to be.”
“You’re right,” Inspector Osbourne responded. “And it depends on the angle you’re looking at it from. Wrong place and time for him, but right place and time for the perpetrators.”
“You’re also right,” Princewill Jackson concurred. “So what happens to them?”
“I got word from the State Attorney before I got here. Luckily for Doctor Umanze, he will be charged for manslaughter, instead of murder, because he didn’t plan to kill both victims, and he was provoked. So he would get two life sentences instead of two death sentences.”
“Lucky him.”
“He also gets time for attempt to blackmail, frame and defame another, kidnapping, causing bodily harm to another and obstructing justice, but all that would have to wait until he is done with his double life imprisonment.” Inspector Osbourne smiled. “You know he tried to run?”
Princewill Jackson had a surprised look. “Did he?”
“Yes. When Desola Ogunba confirmed that she had given him her access card, I went to his house and he was gone. My first instinct was to call the airport and I was told he was already onboard a flight to Istanbul where he would then connect to London. Airport police had to stop the plane and bring him out.”
“Incredible.” Princewill Jackson’s mouth hung open. “And his children? Don’t tell me he left them behind.”
“Unfortunately, he did, but they were not at home. I have no idea where he sent them to, but I believe they’re with his steward or maybe other family members. I don’t know. Wherever they are, though, I’m sure he would be sending for them shortly before he goes to prison.”
“What of the lover?”
“She will get fifteen years for attempt to blackmail, frame and defame another, kidnapping, causing bodily harm to another and obstructing justice, while the cleaner would get a reduced sentence of seven years for stealing and obstructing justice.”
“Oh, the cleaner, too. I forgot all about her role.” Princewill Jackson sighed. “Glad this is all over.”
“Me too. And it will be on the nine o’clock news. They will announce all three arrests in connection to the murders, but nothing more until we officially involve the judiciary on Monday.”
“We should celebrate.”
“Celebrate?” Inspector Osbourne looked at his wristwatch instinctively.
“Yes. You closed a double murder case in two days. We should celebrate hard work and long nights.” Princewill Jackson raised both hands in surrender. “And I wasn’t talking about drinks.”
Inspector Osbourne laughed, and for the first time in two days.
“I know this place down the road where they serve the best cheese croissant and espresso. My treat.” Princewill Jackson swung his cheque around.
“What are we waiting for?” Inspector Osbourne smiled.