Thorns In My Boot

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 12

We were told to write our statements after

spending eight days at the Police station, it was

an unlawful detention, nobody knew we were

there and we could have died of starvation or

brutality, the Police men were very mean and we

had learnt not to provoke them, we never

mentioned the fact that we were Soldiers any

more as that normally enraged them.

We were eventually allowed to wash our bodies

on the eight day and our dirty uniforms were

given to us to wear, then we were driven in a

504 station Wagon to Enugu, 82 division military

Police in hand and leg Cuffs.

After one hour interrogation by the military

Police, Saka was released. He kept shouting

Allah Akbar! As he left the Station for his house

without even talking to me. A Military Police

Sergeant entered the Station Wagon and we

drove to my unit to meet my Commander; I

wished for the earth to open its mouth and

swallow me as I was pulled out of the Police Van

when it parked outside my Commander’s Office.

My Colleagues immediately surrounded us and

every one was asking questions, wetin happen?

Ojo wetin you do? I was just crying as I was

pulled along by the Military Police. This small

Boys of nowadays! Them no dey hear word, this

boy na bad boy and I don dey suspect an since

wey he buy that Car! I heard our sergeant Korofo

said as we entered the C.O’s secretary’s Office.

The Secretary was shocked to see me in such a

state; Ojo! He called; na wetin be this? Na wetin

you do? He asked.

Oga na long story o! I said; I don buy Motor buy

trouble o! them say na stolen car buy!

Ha! He shouted and immediately closed his

mouth with his hands .

The C.O is expecting us! The M.P said.

Yes I know, you can go inside! The secretary

said.

The M.P and the Police came to attention in

front of the C.O. I was at ease because I was in

Cuffs, I bent my head in shame, I could not meet

the curious gaze from my Boss.

Sir! This Soldier is needed by the Police in

furtherance of an investigation of Armed robbery,

rape and homicide committed at Asaba two

months ago sir! The M.P said.

How is he connected? C.O asked.

The Car of the Victim was found with him and

another of your Soldier Saka saliu but after

interrogation we found out that the Saka was

innocent and he has been released some

moments ago.

Which Saka? My Saka? C.O asked.

Yes Sir! He is a Signal Man! But he is clean, he

was just driving in the same Car with the Culprit

when they were apprehended, the M.P said.

Where did the Robbery take place? C.O asked;

did you not say Asaba?

Yes sir! The Police man answered.

So if I steal a Car in Asaba, I will be so daft as

to drive the same car through Asaba to Agbor?

Ehn Police man! The C.O asked

Well sir, it is very possible Sir! Considering the

facts that they were wearing Army Uniforms! No

one would stop them naturally; the Police man

said.

Okay, I see your point! So what is the next step

now? C.O asked

I have a letter from the A.I.G to the G.O.C for

his temporary release to us as the case is

already charged to Court. The Man they killed

and robbed his Family was a senior Citizen in

Asaba! Your Soldier is the first and only link we

have on the case; he will lead us into catching

up with other members of his gang. The Police

said.

It is like you have tagged him guilty already, Mr.

Police! C.O said

No sir! He replied.

My C.O looked at me with pity; Ojo! He called;

see what you have gotten into now? How did you

come about the stolen Car? He asked

Oga! I said; after they paid us our outstanding

depot allowance and our salaries in arrears, Mr.

Chike the Spare parts dealer helped me to buy

the car.

The same Chike, our supplier? C.O asked

Yes sir! I said