THE TRUTH BEHIND MR. IBU’S DEÁTH

Let me tell you what many of you don't know.
The story they never wanted the world to hear.
The truth… behind Mr. Ibu’s déath.

Most people knew Jasmine as Mr. Ibu’s adopted daughter. But do you know how that came to be?

Jasmine’s biological father was a soldier and a very closed friend to Mr ibu. A brave one. But he dîed when Jasmine was still very small. That was when Mr. Ibu stepped in. He took her in, raised her, loved her like his own blood.

He sent her to school, trained her, and when the time came, she travelled out to Cyprus to further her studies.
Life moved on.

Then one day in 2020, Jasmine received a strange message on WhatsApp. It said,
“Please, help… Daddy needs you.”

She thought it was a scám.

But something in her heart told her to look into it.

That’s when she found out that Mr. Ibu had relocated from Abuja to Lagos… and was sûffering.
He had nothing. No support. No stable home.
He was sîck, bróke, and abândoned.

Every single day, he was begging Jasmine for money—and she kept sending.
She sent until she got tired.
Then she asked, “What exactly is going on, Daddy?”

And when she heard that he was really sîck and nobody—not even his family—was looking after him,
she booked a flight and came back to Nigeria immediately.

When she saw Mr. Ibu in person… she couldn’t believe her eyes.
He was a shadow of himself.
Thîn. Wéak. Bróken.

She took him straight to the hospital and started caring for him like her own father.

And it was there… on that hospital bed… that Mr. Ibu said something that shôok her to her bones.

In his own words, he looked at her and said:

“Jasmine… they want me dtad. That’s the truth. They don’t care about me. They just want to take my properties. They are waiting for me to dîe so they can share everything I ever worked for.”

Then he paused… looked away… and added with páin in his voice:

“Even my wife… the woman I called my own… chéated on me. Jasmine, don’t let her come here. I will never trust her again. Even if I dîe, just know this — I never found peace in this world. Not in my marriage… not in my home.”

Those were his words.
From his own mouth.
Not rumors. Not gossip.

Now the man who made the whole world laugh has dîed with tears in his heart.
Not from sîckness alone… but from héartbreak, bétrayal, and néglect.

Jasmine was the only one who stood by him when everyone else turned their backs.

So I ask you today…

Where were the people who claimed to love him?
Why did they wait until his déath to start pretending?

Rest well, Mr. Ibu
Your laughter lives on.
Your pâin is no longer hidden.

If this story touched you, drop a candle for láte Mr ibu

“Tinubu Has Performed As a President Of Nigeria Just Like He Didn’t Achieve Anything As a Governor Of Lagos State. He Has No Single Achievement.” - Barrister Darlington

A house in Jakande Lekki, Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State, where APC supporters live, flooded and stagnated with water.

Thank you my future presido

I CAME all the way to Lagos island market to surprise a boutique owner who’s shop was razed in fire and as a result of the fire he lost goods worth over 100s of millions eventually he borrowed money and got contributions from his friends to start up again,he reached out to a close friend of mine and I was told the whole story I felt pity for him and ask how I could help,he begged me to come to his new place believing that my presence would boost sales to help him start up properly,he offered police men and military men for my security if I agree to come (I was turned of by that because I don’t do police men or military as security) if the street boys want to kpai me they should go ahead LOL but the won’t because NA RATEL OOO,I believe in the street love and the street always protects their own,he also said when I come I can pick clothes and shoes of my choice and he gave room for me to charge him……cut the long story short I surprised him today unannounced without no security of course LOL,picked clothes and shoes for myself he also told koko pee to pick anything,,after everything WE PICKED I asked him to calculate everything we picked and THAT we must pay because we support the vulnerable and don’t take advantage of people,I didn’t charge him anything because I don’t charge to help(MY MOVEMENT IS FOR FREE) and yes the LAGOS ISLAND BOYS PROTECTED US AS THEIR OWN FAMILY…….THE END….GOOD LUCK EXCLUSIVE

MAURICE SAM Has Been The Talk Of The Town Over The Years". The Lover Boy Has Succeeded Capturing The Heart Of Viewers . Many Nigerians, people Round The World Said To be The most Professional/Talented Actor Base On His Acting Performance

Reportedly, Lot Of Ladies Felt For His Charming Good Looking And Skills Of Performance In The Entertainment Industry". Recently The Movies "A MATCH MADE IN LAGOS Broke Records And Hit Over 800.2M Views Globally According To Researched.

True Fans Won't Scroll Past Without Giving Him Some Credit!! Congratulations

*SOME NIGERIAN NEWSPAPER HEADLINES+, 18/07/2025*

Tinubu renames University of Maiduguri after Buhari

Shocking surge: Electricity subsidy jumps 220% to nearly N2tn

36 commissioners oppose Senate-proposed Electricity Act Amendment Bill

Troops reject ₦13.7m bribe from terrorists in Plateau – DHQ

Dangote halts fuel discount scheme amid fraud allegations

Court remands influencer Scott Iguma over alleged defamation of PWAN

Junior D’Tigress face Argentina in classification round

Pillars Sign N100m Sponsorship Deal With RFI Hausa, Unveils New Kits

Fraud probe opened into Mbappe payments to police officers

Trump diagnosed with vein issue after leg swelling, hand bruising

Interpol probes importation of N3.3bn damaged solar panels

London Mayor explores fintech opportunities in Lagos


*DID YOU KNOW?*

* July was named after the famous Roman general Julius Caesar by the Roman senate; as it was the month he was born in.

* The national flag of Denmark, the Dannebrog, is considered the oldest continuously used national flag in the world. According to legend, it fell from the sky during the Battle of Lyndanisse on June 15, 1219 when King Valdemar II was fighting a crusade against Estonian pagans.
-------------------------

Not perfect, but honourable, Tinubu lauds Buhari at special FEC meeting

Tinubu to visit Kano today on condolence mission

Govt will uphold Buhari’s family dignity, says Shettima

Buhari left his boots in corridors of power – Akpabio

Buhari’s words guided my actions as Speaker- Abbas

S’Court strikes out AMCON’s appeal in N24.6bn debt case against firm

Appeal Court affirms Kabir Ibrahim’s sack as Nigerian farmers’ association’s president

Two to face trial for illegal waste dumping in Lagos

Medical travel: Your passport not in our file, Court tells ex-Gov Bello

Five ADC state chairmen sue Mark, others

24 pro-Biafran detainees freed after four years in Ebonyi

Navy intercepts 1,575kg cannabis, foils Lagos waterway drug operation

Electricity Amendment bill will worsen consumers’ financial burden – Commissioners

FG seeks Galaxy Backbone’s support on paperless governance

Africa’s security rests on collaboration, unity – Badau

FG to host international air show December

FG, Bi-Courtney may resume talks on Lagos airport mega projects

Invest in Nigeria’s health sector, minister urges Nigerians in diaspora

Anambra governorship elections: INEC register 96,085 new voters in nine days

Gov poll: INEC extends Anambra voter registration

FG targets N23tn GDP boost through value addition

NELFUND plans job portal to connect graduates, employers

NIMASA shuts two fuel-loading terminals over security breach

Ekiti, Ondo doctors set for showdown over FG pay review

RMAFC grills oil firm over neglect of Anambra host communities

16 MDs in 25 years stall NDDC progress – Ogbuku

UNILORIN rallies support for 50th anniversary celebrations

UniAbuja Didn’t Grab Land, Acting VC Replies Wike

Nigeria’s global labour rights ranking a national embarrassment – NLC

Patriots demand new constitution, support independent candidature

Awujale was national figure, voice of wisdom – NSCIA

Nnamdi Kanu’s trial politically-motivated — IPOB

RCCG pastor steals $8,000, begins new life in US – Mummy G.O

ICSAN to hold investiture for Ukpanah as 30th president

South-South contributed N34tn to Nigeria’s economy in 2024 – Banker’s institute

Dana Motors Targets 18,000 Electric Cars Annually

NGX gains N833bn on cement stock surge

Lagos, Diageo train 250 youths in hospitality

POFON pledges to stabilise palm oil price

Buyout deals trigger scramble for First Holdco’s shares

Refinery sale without audit after $2.8bn waste criminal – ADC

Sokoto Govt House was in darkness before Aliyu’s emergence – APC chair

Asue Ighodalo’s campaign DG dumps PDP

Dumebi Kachikwu rejects alleged ADC takeover, insists party is not for sale

Sanwo-Olu unveils market, office complex in Mushin

Okpebholo promises to make Edo power house of sports

Brain drain crippling Sokoto health sector – Commissioner

Oyo returns 60,000 pupils, doubles teachers in schools

Borno warns against reselling of UNICEF donated therapeutic food

Benue uncovers 4,000 substandard schools

E-call up: Lagos enforces N10,000 fee on Lekki-Epe corridor

Edo to improve health planning with digital platform

Lagos to increase number of technical colleges, harps on skills

Jigawa to roll out HIV drugs at PHCs

Kwara holds JSS placement exam July 26

LAMATA resumes compensation for persons affected by bus corridor project

Awujale stool: Ruling house kicks off selection, insists on tradition

Fusengbuwa ruling house rolls out traditional ‘Gbedu’ for selection of new Awujale

11 nabbed over two schoolboys’ murder in Kano

Ondo horror: Landlord, accomplices nabbed over varsity students’ murder

Keffi bridge collapses, kills 2 persons

-------------------------

*TODAY IN HISTORY*

* On this day in 1870, the first Vatican Council, also known as Vatican I, decreed the doctrine of Papal infallibility. The doctrine claims that the Pope cannot err when speaking on issues of morality and/ or faith.

-------------------------

If people are crazy enough to dare, impossible things happen. – Richard Branson

Good morning

*Compiled by Hon. Osuji George osujis@yahoo.com +234-8122200446*

Yoruba Nollywood Actors People Mistake for Illiterates But They Are Actually Educated!

You’ll be surprised to know that some of these stars are actually well-schooled, and they only act like that to fit their roles!

Let’s clear the air

ODUNLADE ADEKOLA
Many people believe Odunlade is not educated because of the way he shouts and acts in village scenes. But the truth is, he is a graduate of University of Lagos with a Bachelor and Master's degree in Business Administration. Odun is a smart man, both on and off camera!

FUNKE AKINDELE
Her popular “Jenifa” character made a lot of people think she speaks poor English in real life. But Funke is a Law graduate from UNILAG and also studied Mass Communication. Her intelligence and creativity are on another level.

FEMI ADEBAYO
Because he plays deep Yoruba roles, palace chiefs, herbalists, and village men. Some think he didn’t go to school. But Femi is not just an actor, he is also a trained Lawyer with a Master’s degree in Law. He once served as a Special Adviser in Kwara State.

RONKE OSHODI OKE
Her big voice and loud characters make people assume she is not educated. But Ronke went to good schools and studied Business Administration before focusing fully on acting. She is sharp and smart behind the scenes.

IBRAHIM CHATTA
He acts like a typical Yoruba man with strong expressions, and some believe he didn’t go far in education. But Ibrahim is a highly intelligent actor who speaks English, French, and Arabic fluently. He is self-taught and loves knowledge.

Today's Biggest Headlines

Here are some of the news that you shouldn’t miss this morning

1. Shocking surge: Electricity subsidy jumps 220% to nearly N2tn

=== https://punchng.com/shocking-surge-electricity-subsidy-jumps-220-to-nearly-n2tn/

2. NIMASA shuts two fuel-loading terminals over security breach

=== https://punchng.com/nimasa-shuts-two-fuel-loading-terminals-over-security-breach/

3. ADC kickstarts 2027 manifesto drive

=== https://punchng.com/adc-kickstarts-2027-manifesto-drive/

4. FG, Bi-Courtney may resume talks on Lagos airport mega projects

=== https://punchng.com/fg-bi-courtney-may-resume-talks-on-lagos-airport-mega-projects/

5. Tinubu immortalises Buhari with UNIMAID renaming amid FEC glowing tributes

=== https://punchng.com/tinubu-immortalises-buhari-with-unimaid-renaming-amid-fec-glowing-tributes/

6. Awujale stool: Ruling house kicks off selection, insists on tradition

=== https://punchng.com/awujale-stool-ruling-house-kicks-off-selection-insists-on-tradition/

7. Dangote halts fuel discount scheme amid fraud allegations

=== https://punchng.com/dangote-halts-fuel-discount-scheme-amid-fraud-allegations/

8. Ekiti, Ondo doctors set for showdown over FG pay review

=== https://punchng.com/ekiti-ondo-doctors-set-for-showdown-over-fg-pay-review/

9. Ondo horror: Landlord, accomplices nabbed over varsity students’ murder

=== https://punchng.com/ondo-horror-landlord-accomplices-nabbed-over-varsity-students-murder/

10. WAFCON q’final: Madugu rallies Falcons for Zambia battle

=== https://punchng.com/wafcon-qfinal-madugu-rallies-falcons-for-zambia-battle/

For more updates, kindly follow our page>>> https://facebook.com/punchnewspaper

UKPABI ASIKA THE GREAT!

By Emeka Obasi

No individual did more for the Igbo after the genocidal Civil War than Ajie Ukpabi Asika, a First Class Economist produced by the University of Ibadan, who was appointed Administrator of East Central State in 1967. Strangely, those who should praise him only remember that he did not support Biafra.

Asika and his wife, Chinyere, returned from the United States with chains of University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) degrees and settled down to work at the University of Ibadan. By 1966, they had moved to Tanzania and later Zambia.

It took another Economist, Dr. Adebayo Adedeji, to recommend Ajie to Gowon through Col. Olu Obasanjo. He was the only civilian among the twelve new governors. Had Gowon appointed a Federal officer to administer the East, perhaps everything Biafra would have been completely destroyed.

Asika behaved like a statesman. He welcomed and rehabilitated all those that were on the Biafran side and put their ingenuity to good use. Those who fuelled inventions through Research And Production (RAP) got a new agency, Project Development Agency (PRODA) headed by one of the brains behind Ogbunigwe, Gordian Ezekwe.

The ECS cabinet had an array of achievers, carefully selected. There was Ukwu I. Ukwu, with PhD, Cantab. Samuel Ikoku, Economist, politician and University lecturer, Charles Abangwu, former Deputy Speaker, Eastern Region House of Assembly, Magnus Adiele, another University teacher and Dan Ibekwe, lawyer, former Federal minister, also made it.

Flora Nwapa, novelist and University administrator, joined Philip Nnaemeka Agu, a lawyer, Martin Elechi a former District Officer (DO), Dan Njemanze, another lawyer, Osita Okeke, Zackhaeus  Dibiaezue, and Anthony Ofo - Mogboh, to move the new state to greater heights. They were supported by Chu Okongwu, Vincent Aniago and Innocent Nwoga, among others.

What many did not know was that before the war ended, Asika moved swiftly to secure Igbo investments across the nation. He was successful in the West, in Kano, in Ilorin but Port Harcourt gave him so much headache. Rivers State governor, Alfred Papapreye Diette - Spiff, hardened his heart and supported what became known as Abandoned Property.

It was sad that Spiff who attended St. Joseph's College, Sasse Buea, Western Cameroon, did not consider men like Prof.Theodore Okeahialam and his brother, Heron, who also passed out from the same school, before him.

Heron was the Engineer behind Radio Biafra, who made the world believe that the studio was in Enugu all through the war. Fact is, he moved the station round. At a time, signals came from a palm tree in Otulu, Ahiara, Mbaise. Prof. Okeahialam did not only head the Biafran Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre in Libreviile, Gabon, he pioneered inventions.

Biafran doctors produced Kwashiorkor Mixture for malnourished children, a formula later adopted by the World Health Organisation. F. Udekwu and David Nwafor used fresh coconut as intravenous fluids to treat wounded soldiers. Nelly Obiayo separated Siamese twins. Humphrey Anyanwu did well with surgery.

In 1974, Anyanwu and Nwafor had jobs at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu. They performed two major heart surgeries with Egyptian turned Briton, Bagdi Yacoub.

Asika did not like the unforgiving spirit of Spiff. The Amanyanabo of Bonny, William Dappa Pepple, was exiled, for following Gen. Emeka Ojukwu to one of the Peace Meetings in Addis Ababa, in 1968. The king lived in Enugu. Ojukwu was worried but relief came when Asika found a place for Pepple in Aba, nearer home. He died there in 1972. Today his son, Asimini Dappa People III, sits on the throne as Perekule XI, Amanyanabo of Bonny.

Asika had the most efficient Civil Service in the country, that applied IBM computers through the Eastern Data Processing Centre, manned by Dr. Ofia Nwali and supervised by Ukwu I. Ukwu. Scholarships to Europe, America and other parts of Nigeria were awarded and handled perfectly. 

In Sports, Asika was excellent. Enugu Rangers remain the first Nigerian team to become double champions. This was achieved in 1974. That foundation also makes the Flying Antelopes the only club to have won the Challenge Cup three times consecutively.

East Central State Academicals lifted the Manuwa/ Adebajo Cup in 1971. East Central State Spartans grabbed soccer gold at the First National Sports Festival, Lagos 1973 and retained it in 1975. Rangers had won the first league, the Amachree Cup, although informally, in 1971.

All the players and managers of these teams were Biafran combatants. Coach Dan Anyiam, was Brigade Major of the 60 Brigade that fought gallantly in Oguta. Skipper Godwin Achebe was at the School of Infantry. Godwin Ogbueze was a teenage commando, just like Dominic Nwobodo. Patrick Ekeji moved from the Air Force to Army Signals. Emma Okala and Christian Chukwu, fought as well. Nwabueze Nwankwo was tough in the Mid - West.

Today's leaders would have distanced themselves from Biafrans who painted Asika in bad light. Ajie welcomed them with open arms and was the one who coined the phrase, No Victor , No Vanquished. He visited fellow governors, to be sure that harm did not befall returnee Ndigbo.

I got chatting recently with multi talented Obi Asika, Ajie's son who has continued from where his father stopped. The Junior Asika is into music, soccer, administration, name it. He said : "No Victor, No Vanquished was actually a book written by Ajie. He also negotiated General Amnesty for Biafran soldiers and kept almost everyone out of prison. There is a road named after him in Kano, and another in Ilorin, for his work of rehabilitating the Igbo, securing their property and giving them a way back. I celebrate him every day."

Some of the Biafran officers who were in detention beyond Asika's tenure, were set free in August 1975 by Murtala Mohammed. They included 1966 coup plotters, Humphrey Chukwuma, who remained in Biafran detention through out the war and Ganiyu Adeleke, who commanded the Biafran School of Infantry after he was injured in battle. Peter Adomokai, Aide de Camp to David Ejoor was an Instructor at the School of Infantry. There was also the soldier, Peter Odili. Both men were not in detention.
Benneth Ochei was also set free alongside, Ojukwu's aide, Kanayo Esinulo, who was whisked away from the Lagos Airport, on his way to Frankfurt, by security operatives, on August 23, 1973.

Prof. Ken Post who once lectured at the University of Ibadan told Esinulo that Asika "was one of the most brilliant students I ever taught in all my teaching career." Ajie founded the ECS Writers Workshop and loved Arts and Entertainment. At the First National Festival of Ars and Culture, his state emerged tops. Nkpokiti dancers were also spectacular, globally.

Born in Barkin Ladi and moulded at St. Patrick's College, Calabar and Edo College, Benin, the Umuezearoli, Onitsha man explored the world and brought his experience home. Asika married Chinyere, whose dad was the super public servant, Nathan Ejiogu of Egbu, Owerri. Her sister, Kema Chikwe, became a Federal minister. South - East governors need to be schooled about what Ajie Anthony Ukpabi Asika( Dona Meche ) did for the Geo Political Zone.

PLEASE SHARE TO OTHER PLATFORMS: For our SE Leaders attention and information. May history and posterity honor for the sake of our children.
REV UKANWA ULU

I was flogged by my father for doing music – Wizkid
I got pregnant at 17, during my secondary school days – Genevieve Nnaji
I didn't even complete my university education – Bill Gates
I once sold plantain – Inetimi Odon (Timaya)
I used to serve tea at a shop to support my football training – Lionel Messi
I slept under the bridge in Lagos – Ramsey Noah
I sold rat poison – Patrick Okorie (Patoranking)
I was an unwanted baby, my mother almost aborted me – Cristiano Ronaldo
I was formerly a maid – Mercy Johnson
My family was so poor that even poor people called us poor – Pastor E.A. Adeboye
I was once a bus conductor – Atunyota Akpobome (Ali Baba)
When I remember my past, it was poverty. When I pass on the road, people usually laugh at me – Duncan Mighty
I was in the university for 9 years – Ayo Makun (AY)
I was a school dropout – Mark Zuckerberg
I grew up in a slum at Ajegunle – John Asiemo (Daddy Showkey)
I begged for a chance to perform on stage for free for just 5 minutes, but I wasn't given the chance – Francis Agoda (I Go Dye)
I once had no shoes – Goodluck Jonathan
I was rejected from birth by my father because he didn't want a girl – Chika Ike
I got pregnant when I was in SS3 and was banned from singing in church choir – Aituaje Iruobe (Waje)
My family was the poorest in my village; I sold firewood, I was a butcher and also a hairdresser – John Okafor (Mr Ibu)

---

WHAT’S YOUR STORY?
Life will always give you 1,001 reasons to give up, but please don’t.
Keep your head up, guard your peace, and stay joyful.

GOD can convert:
Discomforts Comforts
Pains Gains
Story Glory
Shame Fame
Losses Profits
Tears Smiles
Sorrows Joy
Debts Credits
Mess Message
Foes Friends
Dreams Realities

Just Believe in God.
#FromGrassToGrace #DontGiveUp #YourStoryIsValid #GodIsAble #KeepPushing #MotivationMonday #BelieveInYourself #Inspiration #RealLifeStories #AgainstAllOdds #GodDid #DestinyChanger #PurposeDriven #YouCanMakeIt #FaithOverFear #BetterDaysAhead #TestimonyLoading

"You claimed to have inherited a dilapidated Nigeria yet you're spending public funds extravagantly as if you inherited a rich and prosperous country" – Sanusi replies Tinubu

Emir Mohammed Sanusi, a prominent Nigerian leader and former Emir of Kano, has responded to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's claim that he inherited a dilapidated Nigeria from former President Muhammadu Buhari.

In his message to Tinubu, Emir Sanusi expresses total disagreement with this assertion. Sanusi questions how a president that claimed to have inherited a dilapidated Nigeria be spending public funds extravagantly as if you inherited a rich and prosperous country.

How would you justify the following extravagant spendings under your government:

21 Billion Naira to renovate the Vice President house

70 Billion Naira to the National Assembly members to buy SUVs at the cost 160 Million Naira per one for Senators and House of Representatives members

Specifically 4 Billion Naira to renovate Dodan Barrack Lagos

Another 3 Billion Naira to renovate Aguda House

5 Billion Naira was given to Presidential Tax Reforms Committee of less than twenty people headed by Taiwo Oyedele with nothing to show for it

1.5 Billion Naira to purchase cars for your wife Senator Oluremi Tinubu despite the fact that First Lady office is not recognised by our constitution

300% salary increase for the judges which was speedily passed by the insensitive and irresponsible senators

5 Billion Naira was budgeted for Presidential fleet of cars for President Bola Ahmad Tinubu

5 Billion equally budgeted for Presidential yacht

225 Billion naira spent on so-called Presidential Jet

90 Billion naira spent on 2024 Hajj pilgrimage

Billions of Naira was budgeted for your trips including the Vice President Kashim Shettima to the detriment of the citizens

Every Senator is paid 21 Million Naira monthly

House of Representatives are earning 13.5 Million monthly

All the increment was done by your government

15 Trillion Naira Lagos Calabar Coastal Road was awarded illegally to your friend a Lebanese Gilbert Chagoury who was repatriated back to his country by the former President Obasanjo

You have the largest ministers ever in the history of Nigeria.

Emir Sanusi's message critiques the spending patterns of Tinubu's government in light of claims about the state of Nigeria's economy inherited.

Holyghost Son TV

Immediately after my wedding, barely a few weeks in, someone I knew called and said he had sent a monetary gift for me through a close friend of mine. My heart leaped — because at that point, I was swimming in debt from the wedding.

I called my friend. He confirmed receiving the money.

I thanked him and sent my account details immediately.

But he shocked me.

He said,

“I won’t send the money to you.”

I laughed — thinking it was a joke. But he was dead serious.

“I won't send it until you’re ready to collect what I bought with it,” he added.

I was confused.

I called and called. He kept repeating the same thing. His tone got cold, almost dismissive. It hurt me more than I can explain.

I called the person who had sent the money, told him what my friend was doing. He seemed surprised but told me to reach out to my friend again.

I was furious. I decided to cut both of them off.

A few days passed. Then one night, my friend called again. I ignored it.

He called again. And again. My phone rang until it felt like it would vibrate off the table.

I switched it off.

He kept calling for days. Eventually, I blocked him — on calls, on chats, on life. I told myself: He betrayed me. He stole from me.

Six months later, I felt the weight of the silence. I realized how much I missed him — my friend, my brother.

So I went to his house.

They told me he had moved.

Gone.

No one knew where he went. No forwarding address. No explanation.

I was angry all over again.
I concluded he had run away with the money. That he had played me.

Even though I had moved on from the money, the betrayal began to rot inside me again like an old wound reopened.

Three years later.

I was stuck in Lagos traffic, heading to the Island.

I saw someone on the other lane.

Something about the posture, the shape of his head, the way he tilted slightly to the right.

But… he was in a wheelchair.

I told myself,

“It can’t be him. He wasn’t like that before.”

Still, I begged the driver to stop. My heart was pounding as I crossed the road.

I walked closer. He turned.

It was him.

My friend.

In a wheelchair.

Before I could speak, he wheeled toward me and hugged me.

No hesitation. No resentment. Just warmth. And pain.

I stood there, stunned. My mouth dry. My hands weak. I had rehearsed this day in my head, where I’d scream at him, call him a thief, ask if karma crippled him. But I said nothing.

Then he pulled a backpack from behind his chair. Slowly, he brought out a faded blue file.

He handed it to me.

I opened it — and inside were land documents.

And pictures of an uncompleted building.

My eyes scanned the papers.

It was my name written all over the documents.

Not his.

Not his wife’s.

Mine.

“I didn’t want you to waste the money Aunty sent on clearing wedding debts,”

he said quietly.

“So I bought land in your name... so you could become a landlord like me.”

My hands trembled.

My lips quivered.

I dropped to the floor right there on the roadside and began to cry.

He sat quietly in his chair. His face was tired. His eyes sunken.

“You insulted me,” he said calmly. “You insulted my wife too. You called us thieves. But it was her idea. The night we tried to call you… I had just been in an accident. I was lying in the back of a tricycle, bleeding, and told her to call you.”

He paused.

“You didn’t pick.”

I cried harder.

“When my wife died in the hospital… I called again. That’s when I found out you had blocked me. You blocked me everywhere.”

There were no tears in his eyes. Just silence. And truth.

“I never stole from you. I am not your enemy. I was trying to protect your future. But money… money will always reveal how deep the love truly runs.”

He turned and wheeled away.

A cab stopped.

He got in and left.

Just like that.

I’ve never stepped foot in that house he built in my name.

I can’t.

Not until I see him again.

Not until I hold him and say the words I never said.

I’m sorry.

Please… don’t be quick to assume people have ghosted you.

Don’t jump to conclusions.

Sometimes, the silence is a scream for help you ignored.

Sometimes, the person you thought betrayed you was the one holding your future in their hands.
Sometimes, people disappear not to rob you — but because **life hit them harder than they could bear.

Before you block someone forever — ask them why.

You never know the battles they were silently fighting… for you.

The End.

#copied