I LOVE YOU – episode 18

Nigerian prisons were just like I had seen on tv, terrible, really terrible : maltreatment by the warders, overpopulation of the cells, even the watery beans is real. The cell was just a bit bigger than my room in school, we were 25 inmates there.

We deficated into a bucket in one angle, and took turns to dispose it. I was forced to do it most times, as I was the youngest, and also a freshman. I was given a terrible matriculation ceremony.

Meals were mainly watery beans, rice came once in two weeks. It was in there I first had eba and water, when an older inmate took my okro to add to his own.

Houseflies ravaged the cell in the afternoon, while mosquitos take over at night. The situation in there is indeed inimical.

 I had met a friend, john while we were on the field working one day. He was about my age. We became close, and I asked him how he got the prison. “I couldn’t further my education, because of money problems, and no job to do, so I was introduced to a group of friends, not knowing they were robbers, on realizing, it was too late to back out, as my life was at risk. We went for robbery one day and we were caught. Three of us were killed while trying to escape, only two of us were arrested” he explained.


Mum visited me every month, but dad never did. Paul visited me once. But none of this visitations were painful as when blessing visited me, either directly from school or on holidays. Bro victor (her elder brother) had once followed her, telling me all was well. She is the most important friend in my life. I hate her seeing me in that condition. My beards sprouting scatteredly, my hair unkept,, and my pimples getting more violent.

The first day she came, was bitter.

Me:(surprised to see her) how come, what are you doing here?
Blessing: I called your number several times, your younger sister eventually picked up, a particular day. And she told me all. Kelvin, what really happened? This isn’t he Kelvin I know.
Me:(sobbing)

I explained all to her, how it all started, and what was really the case that night.
Whenever she came, she would hold my hands to pray. And I’d cry with my forehead on her hands.

After serving a year in prison. A call came to me through a warder  from the chief of the prison, while working on the field.

I got to the small office, me some other prisoners there

Chief: yes, welcome. In case you don’t know, today’s date is October 1, 2017 – independence day. And in commemorating the day, the governor – Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has granted you all freedom.

Shouts of joy filled the room, as the other inmates jubilated.

I just bowed down, crying. Blessing’s prayers were answered.

We signed necessary papers and were released.
Other prisoners found their way as we came out of the gate. I stood there blankly, knowing not what to do.

Later, I went to a nearby UBA bank to make some withdrawal over the counter, and went to akure, not to my father’s house, as I wasn’t welcome there.

 Where did I go?