We’re in charge now, they celebrated. The courtroom was packed on the day of the hearing. Anita entered in a stylish red dress, heels clicking on the floor. Her head was held high. Behind her was Aken. The plan was to dismiss the case since Naomi had died and the properties were already willed to her children.
The judge entered. The courtroom rose. When it was time to speak, Naomi’s lawyer stood. My Lord, before we proceed with the hearing, I would like to call in a witness.” And there she was, Naomi, alive, and radiant. She walked in looking strong, confident, and composed. She smiled coldly. The room was quiet. The judge looked from one side to the other.
“Is this not Naomi Adeleke? Or is it a ghost?” a spectator said. “Yes, it is me. I am alive.” Anita’s breath cut short in fear. She could not believe her eyes. No, it can’t be. She said it’s a ghost, everyone. I saw her dead body lying in the hospital. Yes, Naomi said. That’s what you thought. But I only took an injection that slowed my breathing, which made you think I was dead.
I know everything now. How you planned with Achin to poison me after all I did for you. First it was my husband. Now you want to kill me to take over my properties. The entire courtroom froze in shock. The same woman she had saved in the street with her twin babies was the same person who wanted to kill her. Then Naomi’s lawyer stepped forward.
My lord, here with me is CCTV video evidence of Anita and Aen’s confession at the hospital. The IT officer pressed the button. The courtroom watched as Anita admitted with the help of Aken to poisoning Naomi. Akin had promised to marry her into the Adela family and make her a shareholder in the Adelch empire. The courtroom exploded in chaos.
Reporters scribbled furiously. Spectators shouted and Akin sat frozen in shame. The judge struck his gavl. Bang! Bang! Bang! Order! This is still my court. Silence fell again. The judge’s voice boomed. “Akin Adeleke, step forward. Did you conspire with Anita Okapor to poison Mrs. Naomi Adeleke?” For a moment, he looked like he might lie.
Then Anita broke into tears. Yes, my lord, we did it. He told me not to trust Madame Naomi, that she was using me to keep their brother’s properties. He said if I married him instead, since I had children for their late brother, I would be in charge of the entire property. Murmurss swirled in the courtroom. Some gasped, others cursed under their breath.
Naomi’s knees weakened. She nearly fell, but her lawyer held her up. Tears streamed down her cheeks. She wasn’t sure if she cried from relief that the truth was finally coming out. The judge’s voice shook the room. This court finds Anita Okafor and Akin Adela guilty of conspiracy to commit murder. Both of you are hereby sentenced to life imprisonment with no possibility of parole.
