ORNAMENTS✅

Chapter Twenty Five.

Dasuki State, Nigeria
2022

The security guard gave the man an exasperated look. It seemed this man was going to be another headache today.

"I said no, you can't enter," the guard stated firmly. "Alhaji didn't inform us of having a guest."

Since the incident with Umaimah, Alhaji Yabo had tightened the security around his home. Yet, Bello was relentless and undeterred. He wanted to meet Alhaji today, and nothing would stop him.

"Please, allow me to enter," Bello pleaded, his voice thick with urgency. "I have something very important to discuss with Oga. Just go in and tell him that Umaimah’s father is here."

The second security guard, growing impatient with the exchange, stepped forward. "Are you trying to act tough? I’ll see how you’re going to get into this house. Better leave now, or I’ll call the boys to deal with you."

Bello stood his ground, not flinching. He knew what he needed to do. The first guard turned and headed inside, leaving him waiting in silence, his hope still lingering.

A few moments later, the first guard returned. "Allow him in," he said, giving the signal.

Bello’s heart lifted with triumph. He shot a glare at the second security guard as he passed and was escorted into the house, his pace steady, knowing this was the moment.

Once inside, he was led to the garden, where Alhaji Yabo and Asad were seated. He immediately knelt, offering a deep, respectful greeting as the guard left them to their conversation.

Alhaji Yabo studied him closely, his expression hardening. "You... you’re not Umaimah’s father," he said slowly, trying to place the man in front of him. He didn’t recognize him, but the faint memory of a man’s face tugged at him—Baba Alhaji.

"No, the man you know is her adoptive father," Bello clarified, sensing Alhaji’s confusion. Alhaji Yabo nodded slightly, the understanding dawning.

"So why are you here?" Alhaji asked, his tone sharp.

Bello took a breath. This was the moment. "My name is Bello. I’m Umaimah’s biological father. I’ve been searching for her, and I found out she’s married to your son. I’ve come to see her."

Alhaji Yabo’s eyes darkened at the mention of his son. His thoughts immediately turned to the troubling reality of the situation.

"You see, I told them we should report this to the police," Alhaji Yabo said, his voice steady but with underlying tension. "This is a clear case of kidnapping."

When Alhaji had received a video of Umaimah, bound and in tears, it had been a turning point. It was then that he had decided to act—boarding the next available flight to Nigeria with one singular goal: to find his grandchild.

Bello nodded, his voice low but certain. "Your daughter has been kidnapped, that’s the truth. We’re still looking for her," Alhaji Yabo continued, pausing as though weighing his next words. "But I have to ask, why now? After all these years—why are you only looking for her now? Or did you come here for money?"

Bello bristled, his expression hardening. "I know it’s insulting, Alhaji, but I’ll tell you straight. I know who kidnapped Umaimah, and today, I’m bringing you the information you need. I have something crucial to share."

There was a calculated pause as he leaned in, his tone lowering. "I went to Marari and found out about her wedding. I came here, and after some time, I saw a man together with a woman carrying hwith Umaimah and a baby. I didn’t need anyone to tell me—it was clear as day. The resemblance was too strong. So I did my digging, and guess what I found? I even got a picture of him."