WHEN THE

LAMB HUNTS

A play by:

OMA DIDI
 Disclaimer

Though set in Nigeria, Africa, this is a work of fiction and purely a product

of the author’s imagination. All names, characters and events are fictional

and bear no relationship or reference to anyone living or dead.

 INTRODUCTION

This is the story of a beautiful young African girl Ebele and her journey
through childhood and poverty. We shall see how she deals with the cards
life has played her….

This story is set in Nigeria and primarily draws attention to the twin
plagues of child abuse and child trafficking, with the objective of identifying
the root causes of these hydra headed monsters in our society. Poverty has
been opined to be a primary factor. Like the protagonist in the story (Ebele),
a lot of children especially young girls are sent away from their homes at
very tender ages, to serve as maids to wealthy families. Many of these girls
end up becoming sex toys to their masters and sometimes the young sons in
the family. This problem is quite common but rarely gets reported. The
victims have no one to turn to, they are scared. Some of them run away and
usually end up in the streets, a case of jumping from frying pan to fire; many
end up as prostitutes, drug addicts, and criminals; most end up dead.
 One deadly form of child trafficking is the alleged running of baby farms
as exemplified by madam Dorcas; where babies are bred for sale to the
highest bidder; usually to desperate childless couples or ritualists.
Lastly this story touches on the issue of childlessness in marriages; the
desperation and societal pressure that will and usually pushes a woman into
acts nobody can conceive of.
I sincerely hope this story will touch someone, especially those in
authority to rise up and face the challenge. Let this be a call to battle, lets
save our girl child; for she is the mother of the nation!
Oma Didi

SCENE I

Village setting. Mama Ebele is busy cooking with firewood in her backyard.
Her children Uloma (14 yrs), Oduche (10 yrs) and Amaka (8 yrs) are
gathered in one corner, breaking and eating palm kennels. The kids are all
raggedly dressed. From the surroundings, it is obvious that this family is
living in abject poverty.

Mama Ebele (tastes the soup from the candle and nods in satisfaction):
Uloma!
Uloma (chewing palm kennel): ma?
Mama Ebele: this soup is almost done; go and fill the other pot with water
and bring it here for garri.
Uloma: yes ma (she leaves and returns with a pot of water which she places
near her mother and goes back to her siblings.
(Mama Ebele lifts the pot of soup from the fire and puts the water for garri
on the fire).
Mama Ebele: Uloma go and bring the garri.
(Uloma goes into the house once more and returns with a small quantity of
garri in a basin. The garri is obviously too small).
Mama Ebele’s that the only garri in the house?
Uloma: yes ma
Mama Ebele (sighing): well we have to manage it, tomorrow morning I must
harvest my cassava and fry garri.i just hope there will be enough to sell as
well feed us.
Oduche: but mama why must you sell the garri? We don’t even have enough
to eat!

Mama Ebele (sadly): my son, if I don’t sell my garri, how will I get money
for your school fees? And other things we need?
Oduche: ask God for money mama, our teacher said that God can give us
anything we pray for.
Mama Ebele: that’s true my son, but sometimes not immediately.

FADE OUT
 SCENE 2

Front of mama Ebele’s home; Monica is at the front door knocking and
trying to attract the attention of the residents.

Monica: kpom kpom kpom, is anybody at home?

(Ebele is seen coming home with a big bucket of water on her head. She
reaches the verandah just as Monica is knocking again).
Ebele: good evening ma.
Monica: good evening dear, where is your mother? (Helps ebele to lift the
bucket of water from her head and place on the floor)
Ebele: thank you ma, mother must be at the backyard cooking.wait, let me
go and tell her that you are here. (She goes inside) mama! mama!
Camera cuts to the backyard where mama ebele and the children are now
eating. The three kids are sitting on a raffia mat, eating from the same plate,
while their mother is sitted on a bench near them; eating alone. The soup is
watery egusi and while the children’s’ soup contains one tiny piece of fish;
mama Ebele’s soup contains neither meat nor fish. The eba in both plates is
tiny.ebele comes out to the backyard from the back door.
Ebele: mama! You have a visitor
Mama Ebele: who?
Ebele: one aunty like that, she looks like someone from the township.
Mama Ebele: really? Why didn’t you bring her in? Oya, go and bring her!
Ebele runs off and returns. Meanwhile her mother washes her hand and is
wiping them on her wrapper as ebele returns with Monica.
Monica: mama ebele! Is this you? (The two women embrace)

Mama Ebele: Monica my old friend! Long time no see, look at you. You are
quite prosperous indeed! Please sit down (indicating the bench)
Monica: why don’t we go to the front verandah? It’s quite breezy there.
Mama Ebele: ok (turns to ebele) ebele your food is in the cupboard. You
Oduche, you can have the rest of my food.
Oduche: thank ma (rushes to grab the food)
Mama ebele carries the bench she was sitting on and followed by Monica,
walks back through the house to the frontyard.camera pans the sitting room
after they pass; it is a poor man’s sitting room…shabby and sparsely
furnished.

FADE OUT
 SCENE 3

The two ladies are sitting on the bench in the front verandah. Mama Ebele is
dressed in threadbare blouse and wrapper; with her hair made in the local
style. Madam Monica is well dressed in smartly sewn Ankara skirt and
blouse with nice shoes, handbag and bold costume jewellery.

Mama Ebele: mmm, Monica my old friend, life has indeed been good to
you. Look at you….a big city lady!
Monica: I thank god o, if I hadn’t left for the city to live with my aunt; who
knows what would have happened? Probably I would still be in the village
now shelling melon from morning till night and aging beyond my years!
Mama Ebele: look at me now, my sister; married off to the village carpenter
at 16 yrs, widowed after 16 yrs of marriage and alone now with four children
to raise. Anyway let’s talk about you, how is life in the city? I heard you
married a business man from Nnewi?
Monica: yes, you remember how my aunt who lives in Lagos came to take
me to Lagos?
Mama Ebele: yes
Monica: I became housemaid to her family, they sent me to learn typing and
eventually I left them to work in a business centre. It was there I met and
married Obinna my husband. We have two kids and things are moving
fine.infact I met mazi Okolo your cousin the other day when he came to buy
roofing sheets from my husband’s shop.
Mama Ebele: eh? Mazi Okolo from the next compound? (Pointing)

Monica: yes.it was him that told me your husband died and that things are
hard for you and your children.
Mama Ebele (voice breaking): my sister, I don’t know what I have done to
deserve this kind of life, why god has chosen to ….
Monica :( interrupting) hush! Don’t blame God, he has his reasons, and that
brings me to the reason for my visit. I want to take your daughter ebele to
the city with me. A friend of mine needs a housemaid to take care of her
home.
Mama Ebele: mmm? Who is this friend of yours?
Monica: her name is Clara Johnson, she is married to Chief Raymond
Johnson; a big construction contractor and they have 3 children; a boy and 2
girls. Clara is into Dubai runs.
Mama Ebele: Dubai runs? Which one is that?
Monica :( laughs) village bumpkin! It means she travels to Dubai, London,
Italy, you know? Big oyibo cities; to buy goods which she sells in Nigeria.
So she is very busy and needs a maid.
Mama Ebele: but ebele is my eldest surviving daughter, if she goes who will
take care of her younger ones when I go to the farm? My other girl is just 12
and not as level headed as ebele.
Monica :( firmly) those your children are big enough to go to the farm with
you and help. I am just trying to ease your burden o! But if you don’t want,
no problem (rises) am going o!
Mama Ebele :( hurriedly) please sit, let’s discuss this further… (Monica sits)

FADE OUT

SCENE 4

The Udede’s sitting room on a Saturday morning. The whole family is

gathered including Ebele’s siblings. Madam Monica is also there. She has
come to take ebele, who is silently crying.

Mama Ebele (in a sad voice):don’t cry ebele, don’t you want to go to the
city?
Ebele (sniffling) no I don’t want to go, mama! Please don’t send me away
please!
Douche and Amaka (crying) mama don’t send ebele away!
Mama Ebele: children, children! Stop crying.ebele is going to the big city to
attend school and become a big city girl. Don’t you want her to become a
city lady and buy you nice clothes when she comes back?
Amaka: will she buy bread for us?
Monica (laughing) of course!
Oduche: will she buy motorcar for me?
Monica: yes dear, she will buy everything you want
The two little kids are cheered by this and their crying stops.
Mama Ebele (turning to Monica): you said they’ll send her to school, didn’t
you?
Monica: of course, the Johnsons will enroll her in a nice school in the city.
Mama Ebele: in that case, come my daughter let me pray for you.
(Ebele goes and kneels in front of her mother).
Mama Ebele: almighty God, you are the alpha and omega. You are the
omniscient and you know that I have no choice but to send my innocent
daughter into the city. Father protect her and guide her. Keep the devourer
away from her, and when she is coming back home, let her come back with a
testimony and thanksgiving. In Jesus name I pray.
All: amen!
Mama Ebele (to ebele): nne get up and bring your luggage.
Ebele goes into the room and returns with a pitiful looking Bagco cement
bag. As she is about to leave with Monica, her mother stops them.
Mama Ebele: wait (she goes into the room and returns with a small paper
wrapped package which she gives to ebele.
Mama Ebele: this is akara, in case you get hungry on the way.
Ebele:thank you mama, bye bye(she goes and hugs her siblings starting from
the biggest to the smallest one. when she gets to Amaka,the little girl clings
to her, crying and refusing to let go. mama ebele has to firmly take her from
Ebele’s arm and hold her to herself, with Amaka crying pitifully all the
while.
Monica: we must leave now; the city is a long way.
Mama Ebele: God be with you, journey mercies.
Monica takes Ebele’s hand and leads her out the front door .all Ebele’s
siblings start crying loudly at the same time. Camera zooms in on mama
Ebele’s face as she looks profoundly sad, though dry eyed.

FADE OUT

SCENE 5

(LAGOS; THE JOHNSONS’ HOME)

In a plush sitting room in a highbrow part of Lagos, Monica is sitting on a
sofa with ebele sitting beside her, clutching a Tattered Bagco cement bag,.
She is obviously dazed by her surroundings and is gazing around wide eyed
at the expansive furnishings. camera following her gaze, zooms in on one
piece of furniture after another.mrs Clara Johnson walks in. she is dressed in
very expensive looking boubou,jewellery and slippers(talking as she walks
towards Monica)

Clara: Monica my dear! Sorry for keeping you waiting was having my bath.
Monica: its ok dear (standing up and embracing her) this is the girl I told you
about, her name is ebele (hearing her name ebele stands up and curtsies to
Clara and remains standing)
Clara: mmm, I thought you said she was fifteen? This one looks quite
mature to me.
Monica: she’s fifteen, just well developed for her age but she’s a good girl,
very hardworking.
Clara: that’s good, you have saved me my dear friend(to ebele who is still
standing)sit down my dear(she sits)so what can I get you?drink?food?
Monica: nothing, I must run, I have to go the market (turning to ebele) ebele,
and this is your new madam from now on. Take her like your mother. Obey
and respect her, do you hear?
Ebele: yes aunty

Monica (to Clara) I am going Clara, take care of Ebele, she is my relative’s
daughter please o!
Clara :( laughing) of course, I’ll take care of her. Let me walk you to the
door.
(They both leave, leaving Ebele looking bemused and still clutching her
luggage)

FADE OUT
 SCENE 6

The Johnson’s at dinner.mr Raymond Johnson is sitting at the head of the

table. he is a dark beef with pot belly, Clara Johnson is sitting at the tail of
the table with their 2 daughters Lillian and Sarah sitting one side and the son
randy sitting opposte.the girls are typical spoilt brats in their late teens,
Randy is slightly older about 22 yrs and in his third year in the university,
lilian is in year 2 while Sarah is still taking JAMB. They are all eating rice
and chicken.

Clara: how is the food honey?

Raymond: delicious darling
Sarah: is there no salad mum?
Clara :( tapping her forehead in exasperation) oh my God, I was so busy
thinking about my debtors that I completely forgot! Ebele! Ebele!
(From the kitchen)
Ebele: madam!
Clara: bring the salad from thefridge, will you?
Ebele: yes madam!
She carries the salad bowl in, as she places it on the table, camera captures
Raymond and randy Johnson’s’ faces as they ogle her chest ,camera zooms
in on her boobs.as she turns and walks back to the kitchen, camera captures
her backside, then pans to the males with lascivious expressions on their
faces. Randy resumes eating with a thoughtful expression. Raymond comes

back to himself with a jerk. The girls and Clara are oblivious and are busy
with their food.

FADE OUT
 SCENE 7
Raymond Johnson is in his office doing some work with his laptop. His
secretary Sophie enters with some documents for him to sign. She’s a pretty
girl dressed in a long sleeved shirt which is tucked into a tight black skirt,
emphasizing her shapely backside.

Sophie: sir, the engineer’s invoice is here, accountant needs your signature
before he can pay.
Raymond: drop it; I’ll look at it later.
Sophie drops the invoice, turns and starts walking out. Raymond looks up
from his laptop, focuss on her ass and licks his lips
Raymon: em, come come Sophie (she comes back and stands in front of his
table)
Sophie: sir?
Raymond: ehe, you say this invoice is from the engineer eh? Come this way
pls (gestures for her to come around the table, she does so reluctantly)
Sophie: yes sir, it’s from the engineer
Raymond (fondling her ass, she pushes his hands away) mmm.m I see, very
nice ass….I mean invoice. So do you think it’s in order?
Sophie: the accountant thinks so, that’s why he sent it up for your
signature(pushing away his hands which have crawled back to her ass,she
moves away from him and stands in front of his table)will that be all sir?
Raymond: em, yes, yes
Sophie walks away with an angry look on her face, Raymond gazes after her
with lust, licking his lips… (FADE OUT)

SCENE 8

Ebele is asleep in her room at night, Raymond comes in and starts fondling
her, she tries to screams but he covers her mouth with his hands threatens to
kill her,she calms down out of fear and he has his way, then leaves. As she is
crying, Randy comes in asks her why she is crying, she refuses to talk. He
holds her, comforts her, and then rapes her.
Next morning at breakfast at ebele is dull and red eyed as she serves them;
moving sluggishly because she is in pains.

Sarah: are you all right ebele? You look sick

Ebele: am fine aunty Sarah
Lilian: go and get me vanilla yoghurt from the fridge and move sharp!
Ebele goes, brings the yoghurt and serves Lillian
Lilian: why are your eyes red and swollen like that? I hope you don’t have
Apollo?(in an aggressive tone )don’t bring Apollo to this house o!
Ebele don’t have Apollo aunty Lillian
Lilian: then why are your eyes red?
Raymond: leave the girl alone! If she says she is fine then she is fine. Can I
eat my breakfast in peace? Please!
Clara: you can go back to the kitchen and have your breakfast ebele.
Ebele goes back to the kitchen where she eats her breakfast while sitting on
a small kitchen stool.
Randy: I’m going back to campus this morning dad, remember?
Sarah: I don’t even see why you still go back to the hostel, it’s like you are
always home.

Lilian: yes it’s true Randy. Nowadays you spend so much time at home; you
might as well be going to class from here like me. No need wasting daddy’s
money on hostel fee.
Randy: busybodies, mind your business please!
Raymond: don’t mind them son. It’s always good to have you
around.anyway I don’t have much cash at home, so on your way to campus,
and stop at the office so I can give you your pocket money.
Randy: ok, dad

FADE OUT
 SCENE 9

Raymond Johnson’s office. Sophie is sitting on her desk; making notes on a

folder. A young of about sixteen comes in. she’s dressed indecently; short
tight mini skirt with a skimpy top showing her belly. She stops in front of
Sophie.

Sophie: goodmorning, how may I help you?

Jumoke want to see Raymond
Sophie: sorry, which Raymond would that be?
Jumoke (saucily) Raymond Johnson, how many Raymonds do you have in
this office?
Sophie (calmly): do you have an appointment pls?
Instead of responding, jumoke whips out her mobile phone and dials
Raymond’s number.
Jumoke: hi Raymond, I’m your reception, your secretary is giving me stress
She listens a bit then hands over the phone to Sophie
Jumoke: he wants to talk to you
Sophie (listening): yes sir (gives the phone back to Jumoke) you can go in
Cut to Raymond’s office, he’s sitting at his desk with a grin on his face as
Jumoke walks in. she goes straight to him and sits on his lap. He starts to
fondle her breasts through the blouse.
Raymond: how are you my darling?
Jumoke: I’m fine; I decided to skip extra mural class today to see you.

Raymond (grinning lasciviously) good decision, my darling. Good decision.

I will personally handle your extra mural class myself today, in this office
(winks at her)
Jumoke (winking back) ok Mr. Lecturer, what will you be teaching me?
Physics or chemistry?
Raymond: no my dear, today you’ll be learning biology, very important
subject I tell you!
Jumoke: really? And what is today’s topic?
Raymond: today’s topic is reproduction, but first… (Lays a finger across his
lips, then lifts the intercom)
Raymond: Sophie, I don’t want to be disturbed for the next I hour,
absolutely no disturbance; is that understood? Good! (Drops the receiver)
Jumoke (gets up from his lap and stands facing him, arms akimbo. in a sexy
voice she asks) so lecturer, where do will you start?
Raymond (goes to the door and turns the key, removing his belt as he walks
back to Jumoke) today I’m going to show you a very special part of the male
anatomy, and its uses! (As he unzips and pulls down his trousers)

FADE OUT

SCENE 10

Lillian Johnson’s bedroom. She’s sitting up in bed browsing on her laptop.

There’s a knock on the door.

Lilian: come in
Ebele comes in carrying a tray containing a plate of Jollof rice and chicken,
with a bottle of water and a glass. She places this on the side stool besides
Lillian’s bed.
Ebele: aunty lilian, I’ve brought the food from ‘Mr. Crunches’.s
Lillian (scornfully) it took you long enough, almost 1 hour to buy food from
an eatery down the road!
Ebele: sorry aunty, there was a lot of people, I had to wait my turn
Lillian puts the laptop aside and swings her feet unto the rug, preparatory to
eating.ebele is standing to one side awaiting further instructions.
Lillian (uncovering the food) what the hell is this? Where is my salad?
Ebele: they didn’t have salad aunty
Lilian: oh they didn’t have salad eh? And what do you call this? (Poking at
the rice with the fork), does this look like fried rice to you? Eh ebele?
Ebele: they didn’t have fried rice aunty so I bought Jollof.
Lilian: why didn’t you go to another eatery? You stupid idiot, come on carry
this rubbish away (she lifts the plate of food and flings it at ebele, then
leaves the room in anger.ebele starts clearing the mess)

FADE OUT

SCENE 11
12.45pm, whole house is asleep camera moves from Lillian’s room to
Sarah’s room upstairs to ebele’s room downtairs.they are all asleep. Clara
Johnson is in a romantic mood, she puts on a sexy nightgown, waiting for
her husband, finally she walks down to the living room where Raymond is
‘busy’ at the dining table with lots of folders open in front of him, he is
apparently neck deep in work.

Clara: darling, why don’t you come to bed, it’s almost 1.00am
Raymond: so sorry dear, but I need these documents for an important
meeting tomorrow, so no sleep for me till I’m through with them.
Clara :( seductively) why don’t you come up and send me to sleep, then you
can come down and finish your paperwork? (She starts to caress him)
Raymond :( pushing her away) woman are you deaf? I said I’m busy. Now
go to bed and let me work!
Clara :( rebuffed) ok, goodnight (leaves angrily)
Raymond continues ‘working’ for a few more minutes, then tiptoes upstairs
to the masterbedroom,looks in on his wife; confirms that she is asleep then
climbs downstairs again and goes to ebele’s room. He starts fondling her,
she wakes and starts’ pleading with him to leave her alone.he sharply
rebukes her.
Ebele: please sir, no sir, and stop this sir.i begs you in God’s name, stop….
Raymond: shut up! Stupid girl (slaps her) you should feel honored that
someone like me wants to taste your ‘oranges’, stead of crying and resisting
(he tears her clothes and forcefully mounts her)….FADE OUT

SCENE 12

The Johnsons’ gate. The gateman Jonathan is standing in front of the

security house with a chewing stick in mouth.ekaete opens the pedestrian
gate and enters. As soon as he sees her, Jonathan adjusts his clothes and
strikes a better pose, with love shining in his eyes.
Ekaete: good afternoon Jonathan, ebele dey house?
Jonathan: Ekaete my love, psychedelic Ekaete! How are you?
Ekaete dey fine
Jonathan: Ekaete why you dey do me so na? Eh my love, wetin I do you?
Ekaete: who be your rove? Wetin dat wan come mean na?
Jonathan: you know say I love you Ekaete, make you gree my own na?
Ekaete (laughing derisively): you? Wetin I wan take you do?
Jonathan: you dey underrate me abi? No mind this gateman work wey I dey
do o.na just becos I wan get civil service experience. I get big shade for aria
aria market, in case you no know!
Ekaete: Na so? How man wey get shop for ariaria go sidon here dey do
gateman work?
Jonathan: Na my papa bin get the shop before e die. As he don die since two
months ago, na me wey suppose inherit the shop; sake of say I be first son.
My brother just dey manage the business for now.
Ekaete (softening) so you be bigman to be, eh Jonathan?
Jonathan: yes now, a whole big man in waiting, aka temporary civil servant
wan marry you; you dey do shakara!
Ekaete (in a softer voice) I neva know say you dey serious na, no vex you
hear?
Jonathan: why I no go vex, the oda dey I see you for junction with Okafor
the okadaman.na becos of okada you dey follow am, abi? Very soon I go
buy big motor.
Ekaeta: No be like dat, dat day I just de beg am make him carry me go
jegede junction.

Jonathan: carry you go Jegede junction, nah in you just dey laugh wit am,
dey rub am bodi anyhow.
Ekaete: no be so Jonathan!
Jonathan: anyway, shebi you go gree my own? I love you well well o
Ekaete: no worry yaself, give me small time to consider. I wan go see Ekaete
abeg, shebi she dey?
Jonathan: she dey, no only her dey house
Ekaete: mek I go, we go see after (she walks away with Jonathan gazing
after her in admiration.
 FADE OUT

SCENE 13

Same afternoon.Ebele is at the backyard washing a big heap of clothes. Her

friend Ekaete is helping her.

Ebele: thank you for your help Ekaete don’t know how I would have washed
all these clothes alone.
Ekaette: no wahala, Na who get all dese clothes self?
Ebele; Na aunty Lillian and Aunty Sarah
Ekaette: why they no fit wash dem own clothes self? Dem be pikins? No be
Sarah wey I see for junction dey do love in Tokyo with dat useless boy wey
im papa dey drive pathfinder?
(As Ekaete was talking, Randy drives in and parks his car, then walks up to
them)
Ebele: welcome brother randy
Ekaette: welcome bros
Randy: how are you? Are you not the maid from the next block?
Ekaette: yessir, I be sir
(Randy walks into the house and comes out again after a few minutes)
Randy; where is everybody ebele? The house is so empty and quiet.
Ebele: oga and madam went for a wedding, aunty Lillian went to do her hair
and Aunty Sarah said she was going to her friend’s house.
Randy: mmmmm I see (to Ekaete) you! Don’t you have anything to do?
Why are you distracting ebele from her work? Oya, run along and let her
concentrate.
Ekaette: yes sir (she leaves)

Randy: men, I was bored on campus and decided to come spend some days
at home. Go to the car and take my suitcase to my bedroom, change the bed
sheets too (tosses his keys to ebele and goes back into the house)
(ebele sighs heavily and drops her head on her hands for some seconds, then
gets up and goes to Randy’s car. she picks up his suitcase and books and
takes them to his room; when she gets to his door she knocks)
Randy: come right in!
As she opens the door and steps in, he appears suddenly behind her with a
towel tied round his waist and locks the door.
Ebele: no, bros randy, no please!
Randy: shut up before I slap you (still holding her, he drags her to his
bedside drawer and pulls out a small pistol (she freezes)
Randy: what is this? I asked what this is.
Ebele :( in a scared whisper) a gun
Randy: do you remember what I told you? (Ebele nods in fear), just to
remind you; if you ever open your mouth, I’ll kill you (menacingly) do you
understand?
Ebele: yes, bros randy
Randy: good girl (puts the gun back and shuts the drawer. He climbs into the
bed) now remove your clothes and come give me some sugar.
(Ebele slowly begins to undress, looking very miserable)

FADE OUT

SCENE 14(1 YR LATER)

Clara Johnson is driving home from the tailor’s.lilian is beside her in the
passenger’s seat.

Clara: I hope that tailor finishes in time, morenike will be mad if I show up
for her daughter’s wedding not wearing the aso-ebi.
Lilian: but mum, why didn’t you give it to the tailor in time? It’s just five
days to the wedding.
Clara: have you forgotten I just returned from London? You know I’ve been
away for the past three weeks.
Lilian: it’s true mum, anyway there’s something I’ve wanted to discuss with
you.
Clara: what is it dear? Do you have a suitor? Should we start planning your
own wedding?
Lillian :( laughs) oh stop it mum! Em have you taken a close look at ebele
recently?
Clara: what do you mean? What are you trying to say?
Lillian’s think she is pregnant.
Clara: what?
Cut to Johnson’s living room, ebele is standing in front of Clara and lilian,
crying…
Clara: I say who is responsible?
Ebele don’t know
Clara: what do you mean you don’t know? Ewo! So you turned my house
into a brothel, eh? How many men did you bring in here to sleep with? Eh,
ebele? (Lillian hisses with disgust)
Ebele: em em em (Clara gets up and slaps her)
Clara :( raising her voice) I say who got you pregnant you ebele? (At this
point Raymond comes in through the front door; carrying his jacket and
briefcase on his arms. obviously he’s just back from work, Sarah and randy
also come down the stairs having heard the commotion from their rooms.
they stand on the staircase watching)
Raymond: what’s happening here?
Lillian and ebele talk simultaneously...
Lilian: ebele is pregnant
Ebele: it’s Uncle Raymond and bros randy
Clara,sarah,Raymond,lilian,randy;all at once..
All: what?!
Randy: liar!
Raymond: you filthy whore!
Clara clutches her head in an expression of shock, then anger takes over; she
matches into ebele’s room, followed by her daughters. Meanwhile ebele
goes and kneels in front of Raymond, clutching his clothes and pleading that
he confesses.
Ebele: please Uncle Raymond, tell aunty the truth, and tell her how you
forced me….
Raymond :( pushes her away roughly) let go you whore, how dare you tell
such blatant lies to my face, how dare you!
(He matches upstairs leaving her crying on the floor. Randy is still standing
on the stairs; his father reaches him, pauses and glares at him; then continues
to the master bedroom. Randy looks at ebele, gives her the finger; then turns
and goes to his room as his mother angrily emerges carrying ebele’s
luggage. She matches outside and throws it out, then holds the door open)
Clara: oya, out!
Ebele: pls aunty, they forced me! Pls I don’t have anywhere to go!
Lilian&Sarah: are you deaf? (They drag her to the front door and push her
outside, then shut the door with a bang)
Cut to ebele outside picking up her meager belongings which had scattered
when her luggage was thrown out. Dirge singing in the background…

FADE OUT

Note: ebele is 4 months gone at this time.

 SCENE 15(4 MONTHS LATER)

Clara has just returned from a business trip to London, her family except
randy had picked her from the airport and they arrive at their house gate, toot
the horn and the gateman opens the gate.mr Raymond drives to the front of
the house, packs and they all pile out; gateman rushes to the boot and starts
to carry luggage inside. (Cut to living room)

Raymond: how was your trip my dear?

Clara: not bad, just that the effects of the global economic meltdown are still
been felt, prices were so high in London! My customers will have to pay
higher than usual for the goods.
Raymond: I’m sure your customers would understand
Lillian’s mum, what did you get for us/jeans, perfumes?
Sarah: of course, I trust mumsie!
Clara: don’t worry girls I got lots of stuff for you, but you have to wait until
my goods arrive at the wharf.
Sarah: oh no mum! Why didn’t you put our stuff with your personal
luggage? I would have worn my new stuff to Emily’s birthday bash on
Saturday!
Raymond: don’t be silly Sarah, and leave your mum to rest.
Clara: where is Randy? How come he didn’t come with you to the airport?
Lilian: he has exams today and tomorrow, so he stayed behind on campus.
Clara: my poor boy….anyway I’m jetlagged; I’m going to have my birth
then straight to bed. Goodnight girls (she starts walking upstairs followed by
Raymond)
Lilian: mum!
(Clara pauses on the staircase and turns around)
Clara: what is it dear?
Lilian: there’s something I think you should know and it can’t wait till
tomorrow!
Clara: really? (To Raymond) go on dear, I’ll join you in a few minutes (she
walks down and stands in front of Lillian)
Clara: well?
Lilian: ebele is still around!
Clara: what! Where? What do you mean?
Lilian: that maid from next door, what’s her name again? Em em …
Sarah: ekaette
Lilian: yes! Ekaette is staying with her in the BQ.her pregnancy is advanced
now. Mum can you imagine the embarrassment she can cause this family
when she delivers and starts accusing dad and randy of being responsible?
Sarah: God forbid!
Clara: are you sure of this? Is Mrs. Graham aware that her maid is hiding
someone in her room? Infact I’m going there now, what the hell?
(She matches out, followed by her two daughters)

FADE OUT

SCENE 16
The graham’s sitting room, Mrs Graham is wearing a nightgown and
housecoat with her hair in a slumber net; obviously she had been in bed
when the Johnsons arrived.

Mrs. Graham: whatever it is must be serious for you to come to my house

this late (cut to wall clock, time is 11.55pm)
Clara: I’m very sorry to have woken you from sleep dear.
Mrs. Graham: no problem Clara, I’m used to keeping odd hours, you know
my husband is a politician and very close to the state governor; he’s always
going or coming from the government house at odd hours. So, no problem.
Clara: to cut a long story short, my former maid ebele who turned out to be a
prostitute, got herself pregnant by unknown persons.
Mrs. Graham: what a shame! Thatgirl seemed quite decent to me, very
hardworking too. She used to come here at times and help Ekaete with her
chores…
Clara :( cutting her off) eh? Anyway I threw her out about four months ago
and since then I’ve been busy with my business. You know London, Italy,
dubai.i just came from London now and my daughter tells me ebele is now
living in your boys’ quarters!
Mrs. Graham: that’s not possible; my helps are under strict orders not to
harbour anybody. Are you sure of this?
Lilian: I’m sure, Mrs Graham
Sarah: yes it’s true!
Clara: why don’t we go and check? Right now?
Mrs. Graham: ok (They all troop to the BQ)….FADE OUT
SCENE 17

The graham’s BQ, the ladies are standing in front of a door and Mrs.
Graham is knocking loudly, calling ekaette’s name at the same time. Inside
Ekaete and ebele wake up and stare at themselves in confusion.

Ekaeete: wetin my madam dey find by this time?

Ebele: maybe she no well?
(Ekaete rushes to open the door and is shocked to see the Johnsons standing
there with Mrs. Graham. Clara pushes past her and marches inside, then
shouts...
Clara: it’s true! The whore is here! So this girl you want to disgrace Clara
Johnson eh?
The rest rush in and Mrs Graham holds Clara who is shaking ebele in a
rage.ebele’s pregnancy is about 8 months now and very obvious.
Mrs. Graham: calm down Clara, everybody sit down and let’s get to the root
of this matter.ekaette what is the meaning of this?
Ekaette:sri maram,na my friend oga come give am berre,come pursue am for
house, and e no get where to go,na him I say mek him follow me dey
manage here.
Mrs. Graham :( shocked) you say ebele’s master got her pregnant?
Clara, Sarah and lilian: it’s a lie!
Clara: my husband cannot stoop so low to sleep with a filthy housemaid.
Ekaette: efen, small oga follow gi am berre.
Mrs. Graham: Randy?
Ebele: yes ma, both of them were forcing me to have sex with them
Mrs. Graham: Jesus!
Clara: Nancy! Are you listening to these whores? Just throw this ashawo out
and let’s all go and get some sleep.
Ebele :( kneels in front of Mrs Graham) abeg ma, I don’t have any where to
go.
Clara :( shouting) go home! Go back to your rotten village, go and show
your people your trophy from Lagos (pointing at ebele’s pregnancy in
disdain; turns to Mrs Graham)
Clara: do me and yourself a favor by sending this whore out, because her
next target will be your husband and your sons, not to mention being a bad
example to Ekaete here.
Mrs Graham :( nodding thoughtfully) you have a point there. I feel sorry for
you my dear, but you should have known better. I think the best thing is for
your madam to give you some cash with which you can leave for your
village.
Ebele: no ma,I can’t go back to the village like this, my mother will die of
shame!
Clara: I’m not giving her a farthing, me? Give money to an ingrate who lied
against my husband and son? Never!
Lilian: don’t give her anything mum, let her go and meet her boyfriends who
pregnanted her.
Mrs Graham :( to Clara) can I talk you outside? (They go outside; camera
cuts to them outside, talking in undertones)
Mrs Graham: listen Clara, you and I know Raymond very well, I know his
history right from university. Even your maid Chioma came to me before
she finally ran… (Clara interrupts hurriedly)
Clara: came to you how?
Mrs Graham: yes.she came one day to tell me your husband was molesting
her, she didn’t know what to do. I advised her to go talk to you, that was the
last I was of her..
Clara: I know Raymond is a womanizer, but to sleep with my maids? Never!
Mrs Graham: sorry dear but I believe he did, and apparently like father like
son. Can you imagine the kind of scandal this will cause if the story gets
out? Do you realize you are sitting on a keg of gunpowder?
Clara: that’s why I asked you to send her away, this night!
Mrs Graham: as a woman and I mother I can’t do that, but I’ll advise you to
give her some money, at least transport to her village and a little extra.
Clara: abi? Ok (they go back inside)
Mrs graham: well ebele,I’m sorry I can’t let you stay here; for obvious
reasons.pls first thing tomorrow, I want you gone.(to Ekaete)am I
understood?
Ekaette: yes maram (ebele nods in despair)
Clara: and here’s your transport (counts ten pieces of 1,000 notes and throws
them at ebele)
The Johnsons and Mrs Graham walk out

FADE OUT

SCENE 18

Next morning in Ekaete’s room, ebele is listlessly PACKING HER

things.Ekaette comes in; goes to her bag and fishes out a piece of paper
which she hands to ebele.

Ekaette: Na the address be that; Na my village girl wey been get bell give
me the address, she say the woman go take care of everything.
Ebele: thank you, I’m going (makes for the door)
Ekaete carries her luggage for her, and then escorts her outside the gate
where they hail an okada.ebele gives the okadaman the slip of paper,
okadaman looks at it and nods. She climbs atop, and then Ekaete puts the
luggage on top of the bike’s fuel tank and waves as okada drives off.

FADE OUT
 SCENE 19

GHETTO area, camera pans to show the filthy gutters, port holes, dirty
unkempt children, etc; follows okada as it turns into a street and stops in
front of a relatively nice building.ebele gets down and pays the okada who
zooms off. She glances at the slip of paper to confirm the address, then hefts
her bag and walks into the building. Camera opens up in a well furnished
sitting room, ebele is sitting on a chair; facing her is a matronly and
prosperous looking woman.

Woman: I am madam dorcas, you say na who send you come?

Ebele: ekaette, she got the address from her sister Iniobong bassey.ekaette
says you can help me.
Madam Dorcas: ok, I remember Iniobong Bassey, she was one of my
girls.well, let’s talk business, did your friend tell you what we do here?
Ebele: no ma
Madam Dorcas: well, what we do is that we take care of girls like you; feed
and house you till you deliver, then we give up your baby for adoption, and
also give you some cash to help you start afresh.
Ebele: really? That is good ma, God will bless you ma.so I can stay here ma?
Madam Dorcas: yes you can stay here, bring your bag and follow me
Cut to a large room with four beds, each with a small side tables, two are
empty while two girls are sitting on two. One is eating a plate of rice while
the other is lying down reading a gossip magazine. Madam Dorcas takes
Ebele to an empty bed.
Madam Dorcas: yes can have this bed.girls, this is ebele; ebele these are
Sikira and kemi, they’ve been here for some time and will soon be leaving
(she leaves)
Sikira: welcomes
Kemi: good morning

FADE OUT
 SCENE 20

Cut to madam Dorcas in her sitting room, she dials a number on her mobile.
Madam Dorcas: hello Mrs Kenke, you are in luck. I got a new one today and
she’s almost due so you’ll be getting your package in about a months time.
Cut to Mrs Kenke; ‘heavily pregnant’’, in her expensively furnished
bedroom.

Mrs. Kenke: thank God! I’m supposed to deliver in a month’s time and I
don’t know where I would have gotten a baby to present to my husband.
Madam Dorcas: well, it’s not my fault that Kemi had a stillbirth. That was
the baby you were supposed to get; you know somebody else had already
made full payment for sikira’s baby.
Mrs Kenke: no problem, 300,000 abi?
Madam d: yes it is but you pay additional 100,000 if it’s a boy.
Mrs Kenke: why the difference?
Madam d: that’s how it is my sister; boys are more in demand and… (Mrs
Kenke interrupts)
Mrs Kenke: ok, ok, I get the picture. The money will be in your account by
Tuesday.
Madam d: I trust you, bye dear
Mrs Kenke: bye (she locks her bedroom door, then removes first her fake
pregnancy, then her clothes; roping them all on the bed. she then ties a big
towel around her torso and pensively sits on the bed
thinking….(FLASHBACK TO FOLLOWING SCENE)
Mr. and Mrs. Kenke are at the dining table having their breakfast of tea,
bread, omelet and fruits. he is dressed for work in shirt and tie and his jacket
and briefcase are on the armchair in readiness. his mother ,mummy k who is
on a visit comes in from the guestroom; in a nightgown with wrapper tied
across her chest. She has just woken up.

Dorothy Kenke (warmly): good morning mummy k: I hope you had a good
night’s rest?
Mummy k looks daggers at her, hisses and sits down.
Mr. Kenke: good morning mama
Mummy k: good morning my son.
Mrs. Kenke: would you like tea or coffee ma?
Mummy k: I want pounded yam with egusi soup
Mrs. Kenke: but mama! It’s too early for such a heavy meal; morever I don’t
have the strength to pound yam this early morning
Mummy k (aggressively) why not? Afterall you are a man!
Mr. Kenke: mama! What’s that supposed to mean?
Mummy k: don’t you know that this thing (pointing contemptuously at
Dorothy) is a man? if not why haven’t we heard the cry of a baby n this
house, after almost four years of marriage?
Mrs. Kenke (sadly): mama it’s God that gives children…
Mummy k (interrupting) shut up! If you aren’t a man, then you must be a
witch that has eaten up all my son’s children in your womb!
Mr. Kenke: will you stop it mama! Did you come here to insult my wife?
How dare you!
Mummy k: don’t worry Joseph that charm she give must surely wear off one
day...
At this point Mrs. Kenke gets up and goes into the master bedroom, sits on
the bed and begins to weep. Her husband enters, sits besides her and takes
her in his arms.
Mr. Kenke: don’t mind mama, you know she doesn’t mean any of that.
Mrs. Kenke: why me? Why has God chosen to punish me like this (bitterly)
Mr. Kenke (getting up): please dear, calm down. I’m running late, I have to
get to the office. Promise me you won’t let mama get to you again? (She
nods silently)
Mr. Kenke: ok, I’ll see you in the evening (kisses her and leaves, closing the
door after him)
Cut to the sitting room, mummy k is sitting at the dining table; drinking the
tea she had earlier rejected, and looks up when her son enters)
Mr. Kenke (in a severe voice): I’m off to work mama; please I beg you,
don’t upset Dorothy again.
Mummy k: if that woman refuses to give me a grandchild, I’ll personally get
you a real wife!
Mr. Kenke (shocked): you must be out of your mind mama! Never repeat
that nonsense again (shaking his head wearily, he picks up his briefcase and
jacket and leaves for work)
Camera returns to present, where Mrs. Kenke is sitting on her bed in towel,
with the fake pregnancy foam and her clothes in a heap on the bed beside
her. She sighs heavily, then gets up and walks into the bathroom. Sound of
shower rushing…

FADE OUT

SCENE 22(a month later)

Ebele is delivering her baby; doctor Lolo in attendance; madam Dorcas is

standing in for nurse/midwife.

Ebele :( screaming) oh my God! Mama mo o!

Madam d: shut up and push! When you were spreading your legs, did you
call your mama?
Dr Lolo: easy on her, madam d (to ebele) my dear push harder, push
Ebele :( with effort (I’m pushing
Dr Lolo: harder, push! push1
Ebele makes a big effort, pushes very hard and the baby comes out with a
cry, dr hands baby over to madam Dorcas)
Baby: ah ah ah
Dr Lolo: beautiful dear, it’s a baby girl
Ebele: can I see her?
Madam d: never mind, just rest. You’ll see her after I’ve washed her.
Ebele lies back with an exhausted expression

FADE OUT

SCENE 23(3 weeks later)

Mrs. Kenke in her sitting room, her big tummy has disappeared; she is
sitting on an armchair with a baby’s cot beside her in which ebele’s baby is
lying. Her friends comfort and veronica are sitting on the sofa.

Comfort: my dear, we only just heard the good news o! Congrats on your
new baby girl my sister. God has finally done it.
Veronica: yes! Shame to the devil!
Mrs. Kenke: dear friends thank you, it’s so wonderful to have my own baby
after 10 yrs of childlessness
Veronica: what of your husband? Have you informed him?
Mrs Kenke: yes of course. You know he’s very busy negotiating an
important oil deal in Saudi, but he’ll fly home this weekend.
Comfort: god is good indeed, I’m sure you’ll throw a big party to celebrate.
Mrs Kenke: sister you know me well, when my husband returns, we’re
having the biggest naming ceremony you can imagine.infact Lagos will
shake1
Veronica: Kenke baby!
Comfort: kenkesis!
Mrs Kenke: Na me now! (Baby starts to cry, she lifts her up and rocks her
gently, baby continues crying)
Veronica: she must be hungry, why not breastfeed her?
Mrs Kenke: no, no (shakes her head and waves airily) do you want my
boobs to fall? I’ve breastfed her for three weeks and that’s enough. From
now on, its formula (touches her breasts with pride) I don’t want anything to
spoil these babies!
Veronica&Comfort :( shocked) eh?

FADE OUT
 SCENE 24

Madam Dorcas’s sitting room; ebele is sitting on an armchair with her

‘luggage’ beside her. Madam d walks in, carrying her handbag which she
places on her lap as she sits. She brings out a roll of money and gives ebele.

Madam Dorcas: this is twenty thousand naira, it should enable you transport
yourself back to your village and take care of your needs too.
Ebele: kneeling down. Thank you ma, thank you ma, God will bless you!
Madam d: get up my daughter, so what will you do when you return to the
village?
Ebele won’t return to the village ma, sikira gave me her address the last time
she came to visit me so I’ll be staying with her while I look for work.
Madam d: take my advice and go back to the village, the city is a wicked
place and you are ill equipped to cope.
Ebele: thank you ma, bye bye (she leaves)
Madam d :( calls out) and if you get knocked up again, you can always come
back here! (Shrugs)

FADE OUT

SCENE 25

The kenke’s home.mrs Kenke is standing in her bedroom on the bed rocking
her crying baby. On the bedside the stool there are bottles of baby drugs;
paracetamol, anti-malaria, multivitamin, baby wipes etc.obvouisly the baby
is sick. at her husband comes in fro work, he removes his suit and drops it on
the bedside chair, with his suitcase and car keys, then he takes the baby from
her and starts rocking it

Mr. Kenke: is there no improvement?

Mrs. Kenke: none at all, I’ve given her the anti-malaria syrup and
paracetamol, yet she’s still sick. I think we should take her back to the clinic.
Mr. Kenke thinks so too, let’s go right away
Still carrying the baby, he picks up his car keys and followed by his worried
looking wife, they leave. Outside the house, an expensive car is packed, he
opens the passenger door for his wife, after she has sat down, and he hands
over the baby to her, he hurries to the driver’s side and enters. They drive
off.

FADE OUT

SCENE 26

Doctor Jones’s consulting room. The Kenkes are sitted facing him; Mrs
Kenke is carrying their baby.

Dr Jones: Mr. and Mrs. Kenke let me assure you that everything is under
control, please remain calm
Mrs. Kenke: butwhy is she always sick doctor? What’s wrong with her?
Mr. Kenke (forcefully): yes doctor, what’s wrong with my daughter? It’s
been like this she was delivered, one week one trouble. What is the matter?
Dr Jones: I have a theory, but let’s wait for the lab result to come out.
Remember I sent her blood sample to the lab?
Mr. Kenke (nodding): that’s true
There’s a knock at the door and a nurse enters with some papers which she
hands over to the doctor.
Dr Jones: thank you nurse (nurse nods and leaves).Dr Jones starts studying
the papers, one after the other, nodding his head as he does so and
murmuring to himself.
Dr Jones: just as I suspected…
Mr. Kenke (agitatedly): what? What is it?
Dr Jones: your daughter has sickle cell anamia, that’s why she’s constantly
sick
Mr. Kenke: impossible!
Mrs. Kenke: how come?
Dr Jones: it simply means that both of you have AS genotype or that one is
AS while the other is SS.that’s the only way you can have a sickler baby.
Cam focuses briefly on Mrs. Kenke who has started fidgeting, looking
extremely uncomfortable.
Mr. Kenke (forcefully): I say that is impossible, we did genotype tests before
our wedding and we are both AA!
Dr Jones: calm down sir, there must have been an error where you did your
test; luckily it’s a simple test so you can do another one to confirm, then
we’ll take it from there.
Mrs. Kenke: no! Instead of treating my baby, you are wasting time on
genotype tests! Honey lets go (stands up)
Mrs. Kenke (pulling her gently yet firmly) sit down dear; we’ll get to the
root of this matter. (To the doctor) dr Jones lets do the test1
Dr Jones goes to a cabinet and collects 2 syringes,2 specimen containers,
swab and spirit, then he approaches Mrs. kenke to take a blood sample. She
waves her hand and shakes her head in a gesture signifying no.
Dr Jones: don’t worry madam, it’s not painful
Mrs. Kenke (now in tears, turns to her husband): honey, I have wronged
you…. (FLASHBACK TO SCENE 20)
The whole scene 20 is run through, then camera cuts back to the present;
same scene.nr kenke is speechless with shock. His face runs a gamut of
expression...Shock, incredulity, betrayal then finally rage. He lifts his hand
to strike her...
DR JONES: no! Don’t hit her sir! Please!
Mr. Kenke looks at his wife with loathing, then gets up and walks out.
Mrs. Kenke: honey, honey please! (Clutching the baby; she runs after him)
The doctor sits shaking his head in disbelief, and then he picks up the phone)
Dr Jones: is that the police? Yes, yes, my name is dr Jones; I want to report a
case of child theft……FADE OUT
 SCENE 27

The kenke’s bedroom.mr kenke has pulled out a big suitcase and is throwing
his wife’s clothes into it, talking as he does so.

Mr. Kenke: unbelievable! Woman you can kill...

Mrs. Kenke: pls darling I was desperate, there was so much pressure on me,
please understand!
Mr. Kenke (stops for a while and faces hera0understand what? that you have
made me a laughing stock? that you are a child trafficker? that you passed
off a stranger as my flesh and blood? Jesus!(he starts packing again, still
carrying the baby and weeping; she kneels down and clutches his legs. he
pushes her roughly away and the baby starts to wail )
Mrs. Kenke (still kneeling) it was an abandoned baby darling! Have pity
darling; don’t throw away five years of marriage!
Mr. Kenke: you should have thought of that before buying a human being.

He zips the suitcase and carries it out of the room. She gets up and runs after
him; baby still crying. With her weeping and in pursuit, he matches through
the house, past the sitting room to the front door which he forcefully opens
and drops the suitcase outside.

Mr. Kenke: that’s your stuff, if you’re still here in five minutes I’ll bodily
throw you into the street (he shoves her out from the doorway where she had
been standing, then goes back inside and locks the door)
At the same instance a police car pulls up with siren blaring and screeches to
a halt in front of her. She stands there staring at them in bemusement. Two
police men jump out.
Inspector Paul: good afternoon madam, are you Mrs. Kenke?
Mrs. Kenke (fearfully): yes
Inspector Paul (showing his ID): we are from CID and you are under arrest
for child theft and trafficking. You have the right to remain silent, anything
you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.
She starts weeping but puts up no resistance as constable peter gently helps
her into the patrol car. They drive off,
A camera pan to the window.Mr Kenke is watching everything, a stony
expression on his face.

FADE OUT
 SCENE 28

Madam Dorcas’s living room; she is sitting in an armchair, enjoying a bottle

of star and peppersoup.a knock sounds on the door.
Madam Dorcas: come in
The two officers enter, when she sees them; she jumps to her feet in
confusion
Madam Dorcas: wetin? Wetin happen?
Inspector Paul: good afternoon madam, are you madam Dorcas?
Madam Dorcas: ehe? Wetin?
Constable Peter: madam Dorcas, you are under arrest for child trafficking.
You have the right to remain silent as anything you say can and will be used
against you in a court of law.
Madam Dorcas: emi ke child trafficker? Na lie!
Inspector Paul (putting handcuffs on her) shall we?
Constable peter goes out, followed by madam Dorcas, then inspector Paul.
As he goes out, the inspector gently shuts the door after him.

FADE OUT

SCENE 29

3 YRS LATER
Ebele, Kemi and sikira are now full fledged whores.ebele like the rest has
become cynical, hard and bad. They ply their trade at night.
Red light district, call girls including the above mentioned three are lined up
on the road and corners; solicitng for customers. A car pulls up just ahead of
ebele and co.

Sikira: Na my regular be that, babies see you tomorrow

Ebele; siki, siki, na ya own beta o!
Kemi: dis kain night sef, business too slow.
Ebele: you no today na Monday na, e dey always slow.
A car pulls up, the driver looks at the two whores who automatically preen
and pose for his benefit. he beckons on ebele,she walks up to him and they
negotiate; then she hops in and the car zooms off.kemi fishes out a cigarette,
lights ups,then poses again smoking.

FADE OUT

SCENE 30

Saturday morning; the girls’ sitting room(cheaply furnished).Kemi is

scantily dressed and sprawled on the sofa smoking, a side stool is with an
ashtray is near the sofa and she drops the ashes there from time to time.ebele
and sikira comes out from the room dress to go out.

Kemi: ashawo, where una dey go?

Ebele: we dey go market, siki she wan cook amala and ewedu.
Siki: yes o! i wan chop beta amala wey I carry my hand cook go follow us
go market?
Kemi: no a beg, I tire. Make una go come
Ebele&siki: ok o, bye bye
Kemi: bye bye. Help me buy ciga, I go refund you wen you return
Ebele: no yawa (she and sikira leaves and shuts the door)
 FADE OUT

SCENE 31

The girls have finished shopping; they are on the road waiting for bikes.

Siki: all dis yeye okada, when you no find them na so dem go de disturb you
(mimics) aunty you dey go? Aunty you dey go? Now wen sun dey hammer
person, where dem dey now?
Ebele no know for dem o, abi make we waka reach dat junction? We fit see
okada that side
Siki (shrugging): oya na, make we go try
They start trekking down the road. Suddenly an okada carrying a female
passenger passes them. The passenger turns round as if for a better look,
then taps the okada to stop. She quickly pays him then turns towards the
girls and shouts…
Passenger: ebele, ebele! Is it you?
Ebele (surprised): Ngozika?
They run and hug themselves
Ebele: long time no hu! Wetin carry you come Lagos?
Ngozika (disapprovingly): so you are alive ebele? And you chose not to visit
home in 4 yrs?
Ebele (switching to regular English): it’s a long story. Anyway this is my
flat mate sikira, sikira meet my townsman ngozika
Ngozika: pleased to meet you
Sikira: same here
Ebele: why don’t we take a taxi back to our place? Ngozika you’ll come
with us now so that you’ll know my house abi?
Ngozika: of course I will, we have a lot to talk about
They start walking down the road

FADE OUT
 SCENE 32

On cue, a taxi cruises by and they hail it, negotiate with the driver and pile
in. taxi drives through town and drop them at home. They all climb down,
ebele pays and they all go inside.kemi is no longer in the living room.

Ebele: sit down ngozika; let me get you a drink. What do you want?
Ngozika malt will do
Sikira: I’m going to cook, make I leave una to gist (she exits.ebele goes to
the fridge and returns with 2 bottles of malt)
Ebele: let’s start with you, when I left the village you were about writing
your school cert, shebi?
Ngozika: yes,I also wrote JAMB and passed. I was admitted by UNILAG to
study law and I’m in third year now. But why did you leave without even
writing your school cert?
Ebele (shrugging): my mother couldn’t afford to pay my fees anymore, so I
was sent to work as housemaid here in Lagos.
Ngozi (shaking her head in sympathy) I heard about that in the village, but I
couldn’t believe it. And you were the most brilliant in our class; what a
waste.
Ebele: anyway o cut a long story short; I was sexually abused by my oga and
his son. I got pregnant and was thrown out. A lady took me in and cared for
me until I delivered then arranged for the baby’s adoption.
Ngozi: oh my God! Poor you! I am so sorry to hear that. But who adopted
the baby? Have you been going to see your child?
Ebele: no.madam Dorcas said it was better for me not to know the adoptive
parents. I breastfed my baby for only 3 weeks, then they took her and I never
saw her again.
Ngozi: but why didn’t you return to the village after that? Do you know that
Uloma is dead?
Ebele: what! Uloma? My kid sister? How?
Ngozi: I heard she was sent to your former madam to replace you after she
reported to Madam Monica that you ran away. She claimed you turned bad,
started hanging out with bad girls and finally ran off with her money.
Ebele had been shaking her head in disbelief and shock while ngozi was
talking, even when ngozi stops talking, she continues shaking her head in
shock for some minutes before finally responding.
Ebele: ngozi, you knew me well before I left, do you believe I could have
acted like that?
Ngozi: no, but then nobody asked my opinion. Anyway to cut it short, uloma
left for Lagos to serve your former boss. After a year they brought back her
corpse, saying she turned bad too, got pregnant and died trying to do an
abortion,
As ngozi is talking about uloma’s death, tears are rolling down ebele’s face;
she is clearly distraught. Suddenly she screams like a demented person…
Ebele: no! No! No! (Calmer) so the Johnsons were not satisfied with ruining
my life, they had to kill my sister too?
Ngozi (hastily) I didn’t say that o!
Ebele: don’t worry; you don’t know the whole story
Ngozi: anyway Clara Johnson came for uloma’s funeral; I heard she also
gave your mum 100,000 which she used to open a provision store in the
village
Ebele (with deadly calm) they think they can pay for my sister’s life with
their blood money? Over my dead body. This time, they will pay.
Camera freezes on ebele’s determined face.

FADE OUT
 SCENE 33

2.00am at the Johnsons’ home. Raymond and Clara are in bed fast asleep.
The door opens slowly and creaks. The noise wakes Raymond who sits up
groggily and switches the bedside lamp. The intruder comes into the room
and gently shuts the door. She is dressed all in black; gloves, longsleeved
shirt or jacket, jeans and mask. She points a pistol at Raymond.

Raymond (scared and babbling): ewo! Pls don’t shoot me, take anything you
want.pls there’s half a million in the wardrobe, take it all pls!
Ebele: and what makes you think want your blood money?
Raymond: that voice is familiar,(in a high tone)ebele?
The ruckus wakes Clara; she sits up groggily, takes in what is happening and
becomes instantly clear eyed.
Clara: Jehovah jireh, what is happening here? Armed robber? I don die o!
At this ebele removes her mask and throws it on the floor
Clara: ebele!!
Ebele: yes, you are correct, you don die. Now where are Lillian and Sarah? I
know your bastard son is on campus.
Raymond (hurriedly, with a guilty look) they traveled for their friend’s
wedding.
Camera cuts to Sarah in her room reading a novel. She stretches sleepily and
yawns, then looks at the clock, it’s 2.05am.she drops the novel; gets up in
her nightgown and goes out to the kitchen where she gets a drink of water
from the fridge. On her way back as she passes her parents door she hears
raised voices (ebele’s voice: you were not satisfied with ruining my life, did
you have to kill my sister too?).Puzzled, Sarah peeps through the keyhole.
Ebele (angrily waving the gun at the couple): did you have to kill my sister
too, you monsters?
Clara: pls calm down ebele, let’s talk this over, I beg you
Raymond: pls put the gun down my dear, let’s be rational pls

CAMERA CUTS TO SARAH as she clutches her open mouth in shock,

then swiftly tiptoes to her room where she picks her cell and call the police.

Sarah: is that the police?pls there are armed robbers in one our house(she
listens)ok ok,the address is20 mango lane,realview extension,pls
hurry(listens again)I should hide in a safe place?,ok hurry pls!

She runs bare feet from her room, out the front door and crouches behind
one of 3 packed cars shaking in terror. After a few minutes a sound of siren
as a police car arrives, she runs and opens the gate, the car drives in and
about five armed cops get out. An inspector who seems to be in charge
walks towards Sarah, who is shaking.

Sarah: she is inside in the master bedroom, upstairs!

Inspector: she?
Sarah (babbling in fright): yes, it’s our former maid ebele; she’s armed.pls
hurry before she kills my parents!
Inspector: calm down young lady. Stay here and stay out of sight. (To his
men) ok boys cover all exits. We are dealing with a lone armed suspect. I
repeat cover all exits(he uses sign to deploy his men).Guns drawn The cops
start to fan out ,cop 1&cop 2 rush towards the back of the house, cop 3
crouches by their car near the gate, and the inspector and cop 4 cautiously
approach the front door. Suddenly there are two loud gunshots. The two
cops in front rush in quickly and race upstairs with the inspector leading .the
master bedroom door is ajar, as the cops rush in, Clara and Raymond are
lying on the ground in pools of blood. Raymond is already dead, Clara just
barely.
Clara (very weakly) it’s ebele, she shot us (then her head rolls as she dies)

Cut to the backyard, cops1&2 are crouched in position with guns drawn,
watching the backdoor. The door opens and ebele tiptoes out.
cop 1:freeze!(she freezes, cop 1 keeps his gun on her while cop 2 approach
and handcuff her, at the same time, the inspector and cop 4 from inside burst
out of the back door and join them. the inspector collects ebele’s gun which
was stuffed into her waistband, then they match her to the front(the gateman
who has now woken up and is peeping from behind the gatehouse door;
rushes to open the gate),the cops push her into the car and zoom off.
cut to Sarah peeping from behind the car where she is crouched, when the
police car zooms off, she leaps to her feet and rushes into the house calling
her parents as she goes.

Sarah: mum? Dad?

Camera follows Sarah as she runs into the master bedroom and stops shot as
she see her parents corpses on the ground, then she rushes to her mother and
shakes her calling her
Sarah: mum!
She rushes to her dad, repeats the same, then she starts screaming in agony

FADE OUT
SCENE 34

Banner headlines…..’call girl murders socialite’, ‘double homicide: call girl

arrested’,’ sacked maid shoots former boss’,’ murder at dawn; girl arrested’
murdered business tycoon to be buried tomorrow’.

Cut to funeral scene with two open coffins lying side by side, Sarah and
siblings in black and crowd (most are weeping) gathered as a priest in
cassock and holding bible preaches his sermon.

Priest: for the lord gives and the lord has taken away……..bla bla bla
FADE OUT
 SCENE 35

SLOW MOTION, NO DIALOGUE

Ebele in handcuffs and leg chains arriving court in a black Maria, she is
helped and escorted by prison wardens and policemen(some male, some
female),with a crowd of journalists following with notebooks,mini recorders,
microphone etc,the journalists are throwing questions as usual.Ebele keeps a
stony face as she is escorted into the court, completely ignoring the
reporters.

FADE OUT
 SCENE 36

STILL SLOW MOTION, NO DIALOGUE

inside court, shots of defense lawyer talking and gesticulating, then
prosecution councll,then defendant on the dock answering questions, then
witnesses including Sarah, the inspector and arresting cop, madam Monica
etc.shots of audience including ebele’s
mum,sikira,ngozika,kemi,randy,lilian,others.

Cut to more banner headline-‘Johnsons’ murder case to be decided today!’,’

double homicide-judgment today!’,ebele to know fate today!etc

FADE OUT
 SCENE 37

Inside court, ebele is in the dock, audience and lawyers are once again in
attendance. Camera settles on judge who looks at ebele.

Judge: does the accused have anything to say before I pass judgment?
All look at ebele
Ebele; no, your honor
Judge: in that case, on the charge of first degree homicide, I pronounce you
guilty. You ebele Susan Udede is to be hanged by the neck until you are
pronounced dead. This should serve as a deterrent to others who bypass the
security agents and take laws into their own hands. Court dismissed (raps his
gravel on the table)
Shock on the faces of the audience…randy and siblings nod in satisfaction,
ebele’s mum rends her hair and wails, sikira and Kemi shed tears, Mrs
Graham shakes her head in disbelief. All these are in slow motion, with a
dirge playing in the background.
Camera freezes on ebele’s face, tears silently running down her cheeks.

END
CHARACTERS AND THEIR PROFILES:
Ebele Udede (20 scenes):
She is very intelligent and academically brilliant; just unfortunate that she
couldn’t further her education due to poverty. She speaks queens English
and pidgin equally well. Physically she is large boned, tall, pretty and well
developed for her age, this explains why men; specifically Raymond and
randy couldn’t resist their attraction for her.
Mama Ebele:
Tall buxom woman, she is good-looking and in her early to mid forties, it’s
easy to see where ebele gets her looks and shape from. She is a nice lady
though local as typifies a village woman. She is soft spoken, gentle, naïve
and trusting. She is obviously weighed down by poverty and this shows in
the tattered clothes she and her children wear.
Uloma Udede:
14 years old, pretty and dark in complexion.
Oduche Udede:
He is 10 years old, typical village boy.goodlooking but scrawny due to a
poor diet.
Amaka Udede:
She is 8 years old, dark and smallish.
Monica:
Typical lower-class township woman, she’s not rich but better off than
mama ebele who she tries to give the impression that she is doing well. She
dresses in smart but cheap Ankara or second hand clothes. With mama ebele
she gives herself airs as if she’s somebody, but when she is with Clara
Johnson she becomes subservient.
Raymond Johnson:
He’s a stereotype ‘bigman’, tall, dark with pronounced potbelly. He’s a very
lecherous and lascivious man and goes for anything in skirts. However he
loves his family and is a good family man when he’s with them. He has
wandering eyes and anytime a woman passes him, he undresses her with his
eyes.
Clara Johnson:
Very fashionable, dresses in very expensive clothes and jewellery all the
time, even at home.she know what her husband is but prefers to lie to her
that he is reformed. Her husband’s wealth has gone to her head and she is
arrogant in speech and manner, especially to her social inferiors. Though she
pampers and spoils her kids, she is cruel to her maids and treats ebele like an
animal.
Lillian Johnson:
Typical spoilt brat. She’s tall and pretty and dresses trendily. She takes after
her mother in arrogance.
Sarah Johnson:
The Johnsons’ second daughter. She is smaller in stature to Lillian, and not
as pretty, infact she’s a bit ugly. She is also a spoilt brat.
Randy Johnson:
Like father like son. He has a weakness for the opposite sex and is quite the
playboy. He has legions of girlfriends; though this doesn’t stop him from
going after Ebele too. Always decked out in designer labels; his caps,
sunglasses, clothes, shoes, everything must be expensive designers.
Mrs. Graham:
She’s a wealthy lady too; in the same social class as the Johnsons.however
she is not arrogant but a compassionate and modest person. She is
reasonable and peace loving. She talks in a well modulated and cultured
voice. She is the complete opposite of Clara Johnson.
Ekaete:
Stereotype calabar househelp.she provides comic relief in the movie with her
VERY thick and pronounced Calabar accent.
Jonathan:
He is a day dreamer, and a funny person. He is in love with Ekaete.he can
never be seen without a chewing stick in his mouth.
Sophie:
She is an object of desire for Raymond Johnson but she doesn’t encourage
She is a young lady in her late twenties. Tall and pretty, with a big backside.
him. She is very professional and correct in her attitude.
Jumoke:
She is a young girl of about 18 years. Skinny but quite pretty and about
average in height. She is saucy and ill mannered.
Madam Dorcas:
Typical hustler, she has made it through the gutters. she talks, acts and looks
like a retired whore; wears too much makeup, hair overdone and flamboyant,
her clothes are expensive but gaudy and inapprioprate.Though she has made
money from her illicit business, she’s a money ‘missroad’;uncultured and
completely unladylike. Throughout the movie, she always has chewing gum
in her mouth. She is in her mid forties to early fifties though dresses like a
young girl.
Sikira:
Illiterate street girl speaks pidgin only. Same age group with Ebele but on
the quiet side.
Kemi:
Speaks pidgin well, she’s a chain smoker; streetwise with a tough
countanance.She doesn’t give a damn about anybody or anything.
Dr Lolo:
Elderly man; in his fifties to sixties. He has grey hair. He is not a prosperous
doctor, infact he is a ‘hungry doctor’ as can be seen from the cheap quality
of his clothes. He is thin and hungry looking.
Mrs. Dorothy Kenke:
Well to do, dresses well. She has been married for a long time without a
child and is desperate for one, which is why she patronizes madam
Dorcas.she is in her late thirties to early forties. She is educated and speaks
Queen’s English.
Mr. Joseph Kenke:
He is in his late forties. Tall and well built, he is an extremely handsome
man. He is kind hearted and loves his wife, until he learns of her betrayal;
which turns his love into hatred.
Baby Kenke
Ebele’s baby
Mummy K:
Old woman, strong and opinionated.
Comfort:
In her forties, she is short, lumpy and fair.she is fairly rich and this reflects
in the quality of clothes she wears.
Veronica:
She is in her late thirties. Fine, shapely and wealthy looking.
Dr Jones:
He is a mature guy of 45-50 years, with a cheerful and friendly personality.
He looks robust and well fed. Obviously he is rich as can be seen from his
expensive clothes and well furnished office.
Nurse:
Young lady.
Inspector Paul:
He is a tall lean man, well mannered, and always courteous in his dealings
with the public. He is in his mid thirties.
Constable Peter:
Young lad; in his early twenties. Well behaved and polite because of his
association with inspector Paul.
Ngozika:
Young girl; slightly younger than ebele, trendy dresser, slim and good
looking. She’s cultured and well spoken.
Inspector:
Pot bellied, has risen through the ranks. He’s in his fifties, with a sprinkling
of grey in his hair. He’s obviously not a graduate and not very erudiate,
however he is quite capable; having spent years on the job and garnered a lot
of experience in the field.
Cop 1:
Young rookie cop, eager for action. Tall and gangling in stature.
Cop 2:
Very short, could be fat or lean. Speaks only pidgin
Cop 3:
Average height, lean, new on the beat;scared but trying not to let it show.
Cop 4:
Female, in her twenties, fearless and overly aggressive.
Priest at funeral:
Young priest, wears cassock.
Judge:
Fat, elderly man, he uses a pair of reading glasses which he habitually wears
perched on the bridge of his nose, while he peers over the rim at his court.
Defense council:
Young male or female, called to bar not too long ago, talks with a lot of
gesticulations.
Prosecuting council:
Mature man, has a lot of visible confidence which comes from years of
practice. Calm with a masterful posturing. He is in his fifties.
Court clerk: elderly frail looking man.
Prison wardens
2 babies
Crowd (for courtroom and funeral)
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