CHAPTER FOUR
The death of Paul Effiong quickly became another major headline across media outlets. Once again, the police swung into action, determined to uncover the perpetrators.
Sandbay Resort buzzed with reporters, top government officials, and officers of the police force. The forensic team combed through the area, but the fingerprint specialists had very little to work with.
Detective Hassan Ibrahim stepped aside, pulled out his phone, and dialed his friend, Inspector Kolapo Moses.
"Hey man! Hit me up with the details," Moses' voice barked through the speaker.
"You need to get down here, man. Your boys are here, but they won't find much. And honestly, I can't trust them with the information I've gathered. Let's meet. And guess what? From what I have so far, it looks like we finally have a lead, something that might end this menace," Hassan replied in a low, urgent tone.
"Thank you, man. I appreciate you. Let's meet up tonight at my place," Moses responded before the call ended.
Detective Hassan was leaving Sandbay when a group of men in suits approached him.
"Excuse me, please. You're the private investigator, right? Mr. Hassan Ibrahim?" one of them asked. Judging by his posture, he appeared to be the leader.
"Yes, I am. How can I help you?" Hassan replied.
"Of course you are," the man said with a broad smile as he flashed an ID badge. "I'm Tim Alfred, head of the State Security Service. It's an honour meeting you. Do you mind if we ask a few questions regarding the crime scene?"
"I'd love to help, but at the moment I have nothing to share. If you don't mind, I have a few tasks to attend to. Perhaps we can talk some other time," Hassan said politely.
"That's fine by me," Tim responded. They exchanged complimentary cards, and Hassan got into his car and drove off.
As soon as the vehicle disappeared from sight, Tim brought out his phone and dialed a number.
"What do you guys have?" the voice on the other end asked.
"Nothing yet, sir. But we ran into the private investigator, Mr. Hassan. From the look of things, he seems… off. I have a feeling he knows something he's not willing to reveal yet. It might be useful. I'll keep a tab on him."
"Good job. I'm proud of you guys," the voice replied. "Keep your eyes on the detective and monitor his every move."
"Yes, sir," Tim said before ending the call.
The funeral of Mr. Effiong attracted some of the most influential figures in the nation. Governor Afolabi attended with his entourage, as did Abubakar Mohammed and Desmond Okafor. Don Kingsley, the business magnate who had supported Paul's early ventures, was also present. Tim Alfred, representing state security, stood among the dignitaries.
Inspector Moses arrived with members of the police force, alongside Detective Hassan and their mutual friend, Daniel Nnamdi. Though everyone present claimed to be there to pay their last respects, each person seemed to carry a motive of their own.
"I hope we get to the bottom of this case," Inspector Moses muttered wearily. "I can't endure another wave of public criticism claiming the police force is incompetent."
"Relax, brother," Hassan replied calmly. "We're close to cracking this. This case will soon be dead. I'll give everything I have to uncover the people who murdered my family."
"Is that Don Kingsley?" Daniel asked suddenly, eyes fixed on the businessman standing across from them.
"You know him? It's reported that he's extremely rich," Hassan said, his gaze now locked on Kingsley as well.
"That's what he wants people to believe," Daniel replied quietly.