UNCHAINED MURDERER

Raindrops, every where was quiet and dark, only the sound of the drops of the rain and also a barking dog was heard. A cool breeze blew through the window into the bedroom.

Presently in the place was Detective Osas, He enjoyed the coolness he got from the weather. He was in the state of tranquility, he rumbled around his bed with the solace he got from the breeze and his aura. His phone rang, he raised his hand and stretched it to his drawer trying to reach for his phone. Although he wished he didn't have to hear the sound of his phone ringing, so he could enjoy his sleep, as the normal saying in Nigeria "He wan sleep reach im state." So, the ringing disturbed his sleep but he had no other option than to pick up the call, because of the kind of occupation he is into.

He sat up forthwith after listening to the caller, wore his pants, shirt and took his hoodie along,and rushed out of his comfort zone to his car, he checked his wristwatch and noticed it was 2:45 am. He drove off.

***************************************

Present location: Scene of the incident

"Detective Osas!," different reporters from different channels shouted, well they were working for their pocket. As we all know the common slang in Lagos Nigeria, "MAN MUST WACK," he walked passed the reporters and moved inside the building of the incident.

Officer John, the police officer who made the call to Detective Osas was already present in the scene before making the call, "Detective Osas, I called you immediately we were notified about the incident by a passer-by." The look on Osas's face showcase a huge disappointment. He was wondering where was the patrol team when the deed was done. He brought out the surgical gloves from his hoodie, walked towards the bashed car, and noticed the car wasn't driven directly into the building, but was hit by something else. "How did the media get to know about this before me."

He stared at Officer John as he bent low, Officer John was already expecting that kind of question since it wasn't his first time working with a detective, so he replied Detective Osas. "I don't know, it might be a loophole in the department."

"Officer John, I need you to contact the medical examiner's office as soon as possible and also get them in providing the details and circumstances surrounding this murder. No one shall disturb the body or property at the scene of the murder, and no one is permitted, other than me when I give the order, to do so. Close all entrance to the scene and no press allowed to take pictures, this should be a restricted spot."

Suddenly, a fair lady with good body shape, but with the tone of her voice you could easily guess she is not a Yoruba lady. Dressed in blue jean and Nigeria police vest and she put on a sneakers. "Hello, I'm detective Anita. The commissioner assigned me to work to assist you with the case."

Osas then got up and moved closer to her. "I was told on my way that someone would assist me, anyway I'm Detective Osas, the detective in charge of this case."

Anita smiled she was happy she partnered with a brilliant man. "I have read a lot about you and how you saved the Daughter of DL enterprises, and am glad I will be working with you sir." On hearing this Osas gave a smirk.

Anita went further asking questions. "So sir what your lead on this case?"

Detective Osas noticed how smart she was and he found that interesting, this encouraged him to answer. "Well from what I can identify here is that, the body laying here is the body of Alhaji Dansa faruq of the Super people party SPP, I have a hunch he was assassinated, but the assassin made it look like an accident."

Detective Anita bent low to reach for the body, she also put on her gloves. "What! the current news on him is that he just won the election of becoming the chairman of his Local government."

Suddenly, Detective Osas phone rang again, this time around it was an unknown number. He puts the phone on speaker so that Anita could listen, since it was an unknown caller, he was thinking it might be a tip concerning the murder.

Anita had already signaled Officer John to trace the call.

Detective Osas: Hello

Caller: Detective Osas, I heard you are the one on this case, wonderful I never thought we would meet.

Detective Osas: who are you?

Caller: I think I'm about to become your worst nightmare.

Detective Osas: Is this a prank or what?

Caller: you think to say you go fit to catch me (do you think you would be able to capture me?).

The caller then gave a laughter that sounded like that of a psycho. "Let's see what you are made off, catch me if you can", he cuts the call. Detective Osas, looked at the screen of his phone. "This is getting more interesting."

Officer John came back. "Sir, we were not able to trace the call, there were diverse locations."

Anita gave a fake smile accompanied with her response. "We are now a step ahead, we now know that our killer is good with the computer."

Osas removed his gloves. "Detective Anita, you will have to come with me, we have a lot to do."

Location: NIGERIA POLICE STATION

Bode close, Ikeja Lagos State

Osas just drove into the police base. Anita decided to ask a question. "Sir,what are you planning on doing, and how can we get the lawbreaker." "Let's go in into my office detective Anita."

Rumbled around some files looking for some clues, Osas went on and on searching for something, Anita seated waiting for him to reply her, she then decided to bring back his attention. "I asked Officer John to report to us immediately after, when the examiner and the forensic science team are done with the examining and autopsy of the body."

"Alright, let's wait and hear from them." He flipped through a page and he became a bit anxious, "yes, got it."

"Alhaji Faruq had a misunderstanding with Mr Tolu Ayo over a land. Mr Tolu Ayo explains that the Land belongs to him, on the other hand, Alhaji Faruq is claiming ownership, I guess we are going to pay Mr. Tolu a visit." Detective Osas took his hood and his badge he placed on the table, Anita phone buzzed, she stared at the phone and it was a message from Officer John.

"Sir, the time is already 8:46am, and the results are out, that was fast," staring at her phone, "It has been verified that his blood contained high alcohol level which caused the accident. He was captured on CCTV driving under the influence of the alcohol tested in his blood. What I can see here is that he was drunk when was driving and he then bashed into that building." Anita still remained confused after reading the text sent to her. "But I don't see Alhaji faruq as an individual that drinks".

Detective Osas smiled. "Our Killer must be very smart, so he is playing on our intelligence, I must get that bastard."

*************************************

Knock on gate.

Security man: Na who be that (who is it?)

Detective Osas and Anita: Na we o (is us).

The security man then opened the gate, "Who una be" (who are you people?).

Anita brought out her ID, "I am Detective Anita and am here with detective Osas. We are here to see Mr Tolu Ayo." The security man required a minute of patience from them, he then went into his security office and called the house asking for permission from Tolu Ayo. "You can go in, just drive down straight, when you get to the front, you will see someone that will attend to you both."

"Welcome sir and ma'am kindly come in, Mr Tolu will be with you shortly."

The househelp decided to offer them something on Mr. Tolu's request, "Can I offer you anything?"

Detective Osas gave a quick reply but in a very harsh way, like he was not comfortable with the househelp statement, "We are alright." Anita then came in, she replied with a smile on her face, "When we do need something, we will let you know."

Mr. Tolu Ayo came down, dressed in a blue senator wear material, he extended his hand to shake them and he said, "Look who we have here."

"Welcome welcome, "He spoke in a kind gesture, he pointed to the couch and he told the detectives, "Please sit."

"So what led to this Visit I'm getting from the Police?"

Detective Anita gave a reply to the question. "Sir,we are working on the case concerning the late Alhaji Faruq, so we are here for investigations."

Mr Tolu Ayo's mood changed, he became sad. "I heard about the incident, may his gentle soul rest in peace." After the short paryer said by Mr Tolu Ayo, Detective Osas dropped his point immediately while looking straight at Mr. Tolu without moving his eyeballs. "Mr Tolu, many report from our end showed that there was a dispute between you two."

The statement was really surprising to Mr. Tolu, so he knew they were suspecting that he got a hand in Alhaji Dansa Faruq's death.

"Yes, that was a long time ago we had that misunderstanding, so few months back we concluded that we will give the land to the people of Alasalatu (a community in Lagos, ikorodu) in the form of school that way we will help the community and build our future leaders." After the questions and discussion. It was time for the detectives to take their leave. "Sir, if you have any information about the case, you can kindly contact us at the Station." Osas added while shaking Mr Tolu.

The present time was now 9:30am the same day, Detective Osas and Anita decided to visit an eatry, let put it in the Nigeria style, they visited mama put, to have their breakfast.

In the eatry, they had already ordered what they wanted to eat. One wrap of pounded yam with egusi soup (melon soup).

They had just started to eat, then the commissioner of police Lagos call came through.

Phone vibrates loud...

Detective Osas: Hello sir, morning sir

Commissioner of police: What are still doing, have you gotten any lead?

Osas: We are on it.

C.P: Make it fast, the politicians In SPP are on my neck.

Osas: Sir, we will try our best to get the culprit.

C.p: Okay you better do.

Then the commissioner ends the call.

*************************

One hour later Detective Osas and Anita drove into Lagos State Police Headquarters Ikeja. The officers at the gate saluted them both as they drove into the gate, Detective Osas ignored them, he was furious, but Anita replied the officers to stand easy and Osas drove into the parking space. Reporters had gathered in the police compound and were waiting for Detective Osas, they saw him from afar as he came down from his car, rushed towards him.

Detective Osas was furious as at the time he came back into the base and with the noise the press was making; he could easily flame up. The reporters knew he was furious, but they were still trying to get something out of Detective Osas mouth. He became more furious as the reporters shoved their microphones into his face, and asking him different questions, some were adding to the stories, and their cameras making different click sound.

A journalist started, "Detective Osas, do you think this is a revenge killing?. Don't the people of the city have the right to be worried about this and know the truth?"

Osas looked at him into the eyes, "I would not drop any comment until a thorough investigation had been conducted, but I would like to say this, the press shouldn't drop to a conclusion. Whoever did this will be found very soon and he or she will be brought to justice, the law will prevail. We don't care if it is a revenge killing or a ritual or occultic killing, we will put an end to this soon. Thank you very much." He then walked away from them, while Anita made way for him to pass.

He entered the office building, and Officer John came to meet him and saluted, "Detective Osas.The C.P caused some huddled in the office, the case is making the police go crazy." While listening to Officer John,Detective Osas entered into his office, he was accompanied by Detective Anita. He removed his hoodie, threw it at the couch.

"Detective Anita, those officers you assigned for stakeout any news from their end?"

Anita gave a very swift reply, "No sir, but I told them to go undercover."

Osas nodded his hand as he sat on his chair, "We must get the devil that did this to Alhaji Dansa Faruq, cause if we allow this killer to be unchained more deaths will occur."

Now, Detective Osas was now exhausted he hasn't rested since he got the call early morning, "I need some time to rest and am so tired."

"Okay, sir, Officer John let's move out, I need to see the files of every available suspect," Anita requested.

"Who got killed?, why is everybody working seriously?"

This question was asked by Uche.Detective Uche a fair and well built Detective, dressed in white long sleeve shirt and blue jean with black sneakers. Detective Uche who everyone knew breaks the rule, he finds any means to get a suspect, had a bad experience during his childhood days. He just returned from a course training, let's not say a course training, it was like a punishment to cool his temper.

Officer John greeted "Morning sir."

"Morning, you Never answer my question (you haven't answered my question)."

Officer John referring to Detective Uche "Sir, You remember Alhaji Dansa Faruq of the SPP?"

"Yes, I do" Uche replied.

"He was killed , under the disguise of drinking and driving."

With smile in Detective Uche face, "I am already interested in this case, which detective is in charge of the case?"

"Sir, Detective Osas and Detective Anita are in charge of the case."

"Like a lady teamed up with Detective Osas, wow, who is Detective Anita sef( who exactly is Detective Anita)." Uche was surprised that a new name was mentioned in their base, whom he is not aware off.

"Hey, I've been standing here, you didn't even acknowledge my presence, I am Anita, I was assigned to join Detective Osas in this case."

"How did Detective Osas put up with you, I cant put up with the way you blabbing," Uche spoke inorder to annoy her.

"You realize I am not your secretary, right? I am also a Detective, yet you come to work after a long time thinking everything will be the same."

"You are the detective, Anita," He replied looking away from her and putting his hand on his waist

"Detective Uche, Detective Anita, can I see you in my office now?" Detective Osas requested.

After being scolded by Detective Osas, Anita apologies, "Sir, am sorry sir, I didn't know you were been disturbed."

He stood from the table and looked at Uche. "Come ooo things no be like before again, if you do anyhow I go treat your fuck up (listen carefully, am not going to tolerate things, the things you did before won't be tolerated)."

"Why are you so angry this morning?", Uche asked. Though Uche was his second in command. They had a weird relationship, he and Uche. Uche had always caused one trouble or the other, he was strong-headed.

******************************

He had never listened to Detective Osas before, he does things in his way.

Referring to Detective Anita, Uche spoke, "Can we go to the coroner's office?"

"Let's check on the new autopsy result that came out, and one more thing, I will like to read on the previous autopsy results."

They all masked their face with a face mask as they entered the lab; the lab was located in the Police head office.

"Nice having you here sir and ma'am." The coroner in charge of Alhaji Dansa Faruq autopsy greeted. He was a calm, gentle, coroner, "He had just learnt that Detective Uche will be around, that made him a bit worried, but he just had to man up and do his job."

"There were few things about the body of Alhaji Dansa Faruq, the first autopsy showed there was alcohol in his blood, which we concluded that he drank and drove."

"But I researched and did more test, I could tell that the killer must have been with him for some minutes before his death, because he died like he wanted to say something."

Uche then spoke out loud, "Nna eh (my person), this one na strong case (this is going to be a very tough case)."

Anita now referring to the Coroner, "Thank you Doctor. How about we get the files from you, to work on it?"

"That won't be an issue, I would be so glad to give it to you,but it has to be the detective in charge of the case" the coroner replied.

***In the doctor office***

Presenting the file to Detective Osas is Doctor Greenwich the Coroner.

***Phone rings***

The same number that called Detective Osas when he was investigating the body, "I tell you say you no fit catch me, you think say you fit, I sabi your weakness guy (I told you I wouldn't get caught, were you thinking I could get caught, I know your weakness)."

"Will you be able to show yourself, who be this bastard,is he high?" Detective Uche reacted as he heard what the caller said.

Anita enters the conversation, "Sir, from the look of things this guy might be a psychopath, serial killer," her phone rang cutting the discussion off, It was the C.P.

"Hello sir, morning sir, Detective Anita reporting sir."

"Anita, do you have any lead?"

"Sir, I am in the middle of a case and I think the best thing to do, is to contact my superior who is the lead Detective of the case."

"Mind what you say, Anita, am your boss here and you have to do as have said". The commissioner then cut the phone call.

Uche verbally accused the commissioner, "The old man just wants to take all the credit as usual."

Detective thinking on what to do next, "What baffles me is that the press no doubt would be going on saying and blabbing out our next move. So I think we need to play them."

Uche smiled and rolled his sleeve, "Okay then, we must make the press think they are smart, and they got the whole information."

Anita then said a word of prayer, "Na only God fit help us. (it's only God that can help)."

"The next place we need to check is the Crime scene, Doctor thanks for the update."

"Let's roll guys." Detective Osas spoke lively, guessing his energy was back.

At the Nigeria police ikeja HQ. The SPP party leader was waiting for Detective Osas. Officer John had to call Detective Osas to inform him.

Detective Osas just finished receiving a call, "That was officer John, he told me the SPP leader is waiting for me" Osas informed the other Detective that was present with him at the crime scene. Anita then interrupted, "Are we to leave immediately we got here?"

Uche then laughed, "He just a party leader, why should we, we've got a lot to do before attending to anyone."

Osas then spoke as a leader, "We shouldn't disturb ourselves, I know what he wants, am sure he wants to talk on the same issue on ground that's the Alhaji Dansa's case, my question is why this specific way of committing a murder?"

Anita was already walking round the scene to check if there was anything else the forensic science team didn't get, same as Uche. After much thought and deliberation concerning the issue, Detective Osas came to a conclusion, "You know what guys, Let's check if there is any link between this building with Alhaji Dansa Faruq and also check if there was anyone related with him that had a car accident".

Anita jotted it down, same with Osas. "That's all for now, let's go guys," Detective Osas ordered.

Anita spoke to the Detectives while walking into their base, "Sir this case on the ground is not an easy one."

Osas smiled, "Yeah, and it's also part of the job to do something impossible and its isn't easy, but I do believe that justice will surely prevail."

Officer John was walking downstairs with a file in his hand, he saluted the Detectives,and also dropped an update for them "Morning sir, the SPP party leader is still around, and be like say the man blood dey boil, he no dey smile at all (it's very obvious that he is angry, he is not even laughing)."

Now walked towards his office, Osas saw the party leader with his secretary, he smiles and walked towards his direction, "Good morning sir."

"Morning Detective, I heard you are the one on this case?" He spoke without smiling.

"Yes, I am with two other Detectives, sir also the police force is really working on solving the case sir."

"Do you know me?, If you do, you should have known that I Otunba Ayodeji Balogun is a man that likes quick results. The people at the party are not happy at all and the culprit must be caught with immediate effect. Alhaji Faruq was a well-respected individual at the party and his death cannot be overlooked like that, please do something about it." The party leader spoke with full authority, as he sat down on the chair.

"Sir, we will, we won't relent until the culprit is caught." Osas have his response to Otunba.

Otunba Ayodeji got up from the chair, "Okay, that will be all for now." He then left the office.

As soon as the party leader left the office, Detective Osas gave a big sigh. While Anita on the other hand was still discussing a matter with Uche, when one of the tech guys, came looking for Osas. "Sir, ma'am, can we get a hold of Detective Osas?"

"What is it?" Uche asked, he could feel the tech team has found something that would be of help.

"Sir, it would be better if you can see it by yourself," the techie told Uche, so, Uche with Anita went to the tech department.

**********************************

"Sir, I think we've got another lead," Anita knocks and opened the door to Detective Osas office.

"There is a man named Rasaq Akeem, it was said that he and Alhaji Faruq worked in the same company in the past, I think they had a misunderstanding concerning a position." On hearing this, Detective Osas got up and followed Anita.

Osas and Anita walked into the tech office, Uche was standing beside one of the tech guy Chidi. Noise was everywhere, nobody knew the Detective was inside the office.

Osas folded his hands staring at the team, Anita noticed he was displeased with the atmosphere, she ordered, "Hey, alright listen up."

Osas took his time before he could talk, "Well,it is normal for tech guys to make noise, I won't be surprised. Cause una no dey, dey field but always online (since you guys don't do the field work, but always with the computer".

Anita had already briefed Osas before they got into the room, so he already had the information on the issue on ground.

He walked to the front were the computers were arranged, face the team. "I need all hands on deck, i am looking for a man named Rasaq Akeem."

Osas signaled Uche, Uche tapped the shoulder of Chidi, "Oya put am for the big screen wey dey available (Alright, put the image on the biggest screen available here asap)."

"On it sir, Just give me a few seconds, and here will go," he clicks the enter button. Chidi uploaded the image.

Detective Osas walked straight to the image that was uploaded on the screen, " You can the image of our new suspect. His name is Rasaq Akeem. In any way possible, I just need the current location of the guy on that screen. I want to know everything about him, his credit card, school, parent, family, relationship status and so on."

"See, you all just got few minutes to do so," Osas ordered.

"Sir, I got something," One of the tech guys whose name was Chidi reported.

Osas walked towards his direction, "What is it?"

Chidi responded, "His credit card was used last in a hotel, that was last week Friday and this hotel is located at Maryland..."

"What I can see here Is. The name of the Hotel is Hstar hotel."

Osas tapped the techie's shoulder, "Good, that was fast of you."

Chidi then added, "Thank you sir, I will forward it to you on WhatsApp, so you will know how you will get to the hotel."

Another tech guy who was also surfing the web and different database, came across something, "Sir I got another lead."

"He usually visits a Wholesale store to get some food item every 3months, and I am having a hunch that might be his location."

"Where ?" both Detective asked at a time

"Maryland sir" the other tech guy replied.

Detective Osas then looked at him, folded his arms and use his hands to feel his beards, in a way of thinking, "So you have a hunch he lives in Maryland?"

The tech guy nodded.

"Then you know what, check the IE (Ikeja electricity) database, any database available, both the community information. Maybe we might be able to get his house address there, because I believe those information can lead us somewhere." Detective Osas requested the tech department to work really hard on this case.

"I did sir but it seems there are many Rasaq Akeem on it. My guess is that this will be hard."

Then Osas thought for a while, "Okay, well-done guys, Anita come with me. And Uche you are in charge here."

"If you have any new info, make sure you contact me guys. And Uche am counting on you to lead the ship well in my absence."

"Yes sir," Uche responds.

Now inside Detectives Osas car, Osas behind the wheel and Anita sitting close to the the driver seat.

Anita turn to Osas, who was concentrating while driving, she asked a question, "Detective Osas why are you making it look like we have verified Rasaq Akeem is the killer."

Detective Osas was surprised at the question, but he had no other option than to answer her. "Does it look like?, I don't think so, am just doing my job diligently."

Anita then smirk, "What I see here is that you are angry, the commissioner is on your neck, the party people are on your neck. The press is even making the matter worst, and now to get the burden off you, you are like looking for someone to drop the anger on, you might be using Rasaq Akeem as an excuse. Sir, remember you can't hurt him he is just a suspect for now."

Location: Hstar hotel Maryland.

Detective Osas and Anita walked into the building went straight to the receptionist and Osas brought out his showed his badge also containing his ID card, "Hello am Detective Osas here is my partner Anita. I will like to catch a glimpse of your manager."

The manager took the Detectives to the monitoring room, "Here is our CCTV camera tapes. We only have one downstairs outside of the hotel, we don't have any in our rooms because of the seclusion of the customers." The manager told the detectives.

"Most times, it against the establishment to disclose any information of our customers, but on the other hand it's important, I work as a good citizen."

"Thank you for your time," Anita told the manager, then three of them exchange pleasantries.

While walking out of the hotel, Anita told Detective Osas, "At least we watch the tapes and didn't see anything strange."

Osas nods his head, "Where could Rasaq Akeem be?"

They moved towards the car, entered and drove away.