Painful Verdict

PAINFUL VERDICT

      “It has come to the notice of the university’s Governing Council and the Senate,” Prof. Okoro said. “That cultism has suddenly become the order of the day on this campus.”

      The teeming students watched him in appreciation while the invited guests marveled.

      University of Okute had been reckoned to be one of the institutions of higher learning across the country characterized by cultism. Such societal ill had existed in a manner that ‘UniOku’, as the citadel was fondly called, could not pass through a day without experiencing suchlike incidence as rape and robbery, among every other form of intimidation; and at intervals, murder would be the subject matter. The unabated prevalence of the bilious acts remained the most discussed issue in all quarters of the highly revered institution. Worse still, every effort put together by the university management towards curtailing the menace was to no avail.

      As the aforementioned ordeal lingered, on this day of the university’s 17^th matriculation ceremony, the institution’s Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor K. B. Okoro thought it wise to discuss the issue in his welcome address. As he firmly and confidently stood on the podium while audibly reading the eligibly written address, his countenance abruptly changed the moment he got to the paragraph that emphasized on the said ill.

      “I want to use this medium,” the don rode on, frowning. “To warn our new students to steer clear of any act that could endanger their families’ reputation as they mind their studies squarely.” He advised.

      The teeming matriculants of about three thousand persons became more attentive.

      “Because,” continued the VC. “The university cannot tolerate any questionable character from you?” he informed, paused. “Hence, we will not hesitate to rusticate or expel anyone found wanting.”

      The matriculants looked at themselves in silent awe.

      “And to the parents,” quoth Prof. Okoro. “We equally encourage you to check on your wards from time to time.” He enjoined, took a breath. “To enable you monitor their activities, academically, socially and otherwise.”

      The special guests as well as other members of the university’s management, whom were at the podium with the speaker, nodded simultaneously in admiration. “Good talk!” the Registrar – Mr. Akor who sat in the front row whispered to his closest neighbour.

      “And the cultists,” the number-one citizen mentioned bitterly. “Every day is for the thief, whilst one day is for the house owner.” he hinted, paused. “After race, we shall count the miles.” He landed succinctly.

      The address, which was well drafted, bore every aspect of all activities being carried out in the university. At least, the new intakes had gotten a hint on the do’s and undo’s of the institution, thus they needn’t be reminded that expulsion or rustication was the only answer to any act of immorality.

       Few minutes later, the ceremony came to an end having consumed almost three hours.  

      Two weeks on, five youths in their early twenties were caught by the police in a robbery act at the outskirts of the university, and they were all identified as the students of the institution. When investigated, it was discovered they were part of the cult gang that had been terrorizing the school. Thereafter, other members of the confraternity were equally apprehended. Most devastatingly, one of them in the person of Benson, popularly known as ‘Cartel’, happened to be the son of a notable High Court judge in the country, Justice Calo Dandi.

      When the sad news got to the affected judicial custodian alongside his wife, it sounded just like a mere daydream. They couldn’t believe that their highly cherished child who they were of the view would be graduating in few months time, was an armed robber let alone a cultist. Mrs. Dandi was, to say the least, half-dead; Justice Dandi, on his part, couldn’t step out of his home for a whole week owing to shame and depression.

      Come to think of it: who on earth would agree that the son of a justice would be involved in such nauseous act? The entire university community, and of course its environs, were deeply touched when they realized that one of the culprits, Benson was a child of a High Court jury. The news was indeed very, very difficult to believe let alone discussing it.

      Seventeen days on, the gang was charged to court by the police. Fascinatingly, the case was brought to the court headed by Justice Calo Dandi. Prior to this time, the accused persons had been expelled from the university.

      Justice Dandi’s hands were really tied. To assert that he was placed in a tight corner was apparently an understatement. ‘How could he sentence his child?’ remained the most raised question by the public.

      It would shock, perhaps interest you to note that Benson was the only son of Justice Dandi. The latter could boast of four females and a male. He was the last among the five children; after he came into the world, the couple couldn’t beget again.

      “So what are you going to do?” Mrs. Dandi asked her husband as they were seated at their balcony.

       Both of them were seated directly opposite each other.

       At this time, the court proceeding had already begun. The court had met twice over the incident, and the third hearing of the case was scheduled to be held the following week. It appeared the next hearing would determine the fate of the gang.

       “That boy will rot in jail.” Justice Dandi unequivocally hinted hesitantly. “Justice will prevail.” He added.

      “What?” Mrs. Dandi shouted. “How do you mean?”

      “It’s obvious he is guilty,” he said. “Or, isn’t he?”

      “So?” she ranted. “Because he is guilty, you want your only son to rot in jail?”

      “As you can see,” he replied. “My hands are tied.”

      “Your hands are tied?”

      “Of course,” quoth the Justice. “I am concerned about my reputation.”

      “So your reputation is more important than your only son?”

      “Woman, I have been in this job for over thirty years,” he reminded. “And since then, I have never been found wanting.”

      “Is better they found you wanting this time,” she suggested. “Than to lose your only begotten son.” She landed with alacrity.

     “Don’t be selfish, woman” he warned emphatically.

     “Meaning?”

     “As you can see,” quoth the jury. “I am left with no choice.” He hinted frankly, stood up and walked away.

      She sat like an electrocuted human as she helplessly watched him depart from the balcony. She felt dreaming, but it was real. “What a blunt judge!” She finally bemoaned.

      The following week, Benson alongside his accomplices was sentenced to life by his biological father, having been convicted for robbery, rape, cultism and murder. His mother, Mrs. Dandi landed in coma on hearing the news.

      Be sincere, if you were in the jury’s shoes, what would you have done? Think about it!

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