The Fake Angel

18 Chapter 18: The Fake Prophet

Johnson responded, "Honey, I hear you, but Ike said he wants to use the money to develop his business and promised to return it after he profits."

"Do you want to give him the money?"

"Yes, I thought we should help him because the Bible says, 'Give to the one who asks you…'"

"Alright, if you feel that way, but don't give it to him now. Let it be next month so he doesn't think we have a lot of money on hand," she suggested.

He agreed to delay the loan as Samba suggested, not wanting to give the impression of wealth.

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Days passed, and Ike grew impatient. He confided in a magician friend, who had the ability to manipulate perception and appear as an angel. They hatched a plan to convince Johnson that divine intervention was at play.

"I have a charm that allows me to disappear anytime I want. I'll use it to act like an angel before your friend," the magician explained.

Ike was pleased with the plan, and they proceeded to work out the details.

On the third day, Johnson's car broke down, leaving him stranded on the side of the road. As he awaited a mechanic, the magician, dressed in white garb and holding a Bible, approached him.

The magician addressed Johnson by name, "Johnson, son of Joseph, the Lord sent me to you."

Johnson was surprised to hear his name from a stranger.

The magician claimed to be an angel sent by God with a message about Ike's loan request. He emphasized that helping Ike would bring blessings and peace before disappearing in a mysterious fashion.

When Johnson saw him disappear, he was afraid and believed he had met an angel.

Shaken by the encounter, Johnson recounted the event to Samba that evening.

Samba encouraged him to give Ike the money, considering the seemingly divine message. Johnson immediately contacted Ike, instructing him to collect the loan the following day.

Ike, elated by the success of their ruse, believed that the angelic encounter would ensure his loan request was granted.

Ike visited Johnson's house the next day and received a transfer of two million Naira, promising to return the money within six months.

When the deadline approached, Ike could not repay the loan, so Johnson graciously extended it until the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Samba's childhood friend Hannah struggled to find a job that matched her qualifications.

She took a petty job in town and borrowed twenty thousand Naira from Ike, which she needed for food before receiving her salary. Unfortunately, she could not repay him on time, and Ike, aware of her small land, threatened to seize it until she settled her debt.

Hoping to find a better job to repay Ike, Hannah applied for a position at Johnson's radio station at Samba's suggestion. She was directed to Samba's office, who now held a high position there. When Samba saw her, she was amazed.

Hannah didn't recognize Samba, but Samba recognized her.

"Good morning, ma'am," Hannah greeted.

"Morning, how are you?"

"Fine, ma'am."

Samba pretended she didn't know her to see if Hannah could recognize her face.

"How can I help you?" Samba asked.

"I am a graduate of the University of Ibadan. I came searching for a job, ma'am, and I have my credentials here."

"Alright, let me see."

Hannah handed her credentials to Samba, bowing slightly to show respect.

"Miss, we cannot employ you because your qualifications don't fit the role here," Samba said, testing to see if Hannah would recognize her.

"Please, ma'am, even if you hire me as a messenger, I don't mind."

"Okay, come back tomorrow and start work as my messenger."

"Thank you, ma'am. Goodbye." She stood up and walked to the door.

"Hannah, come back here!"

She turned back and walked toward Samba.

"You've been here for more than five minutes, and you don't recognize my face?"

Hannah thought to herself, trying to remember.

"I can't remember, ma'am," she said.

"I am Samba, your friend who you always helped when I was hungry in primary school."

"Wow! Samba." She was full of surprise when she remembered their primary school days.

"Come and hug me, my best friend." Hannah went straight to her and hugged her.

Samba asked her to sit down.

"I am surprised to see you in such a high position."

"Well, it's the work of God. I saw in your credentials that you graduated five years ago. What job have you been doing?"

"I worked as a salesgirl and have been looking for a better job but haven't found any."

"Alright, congratulations! As of today, you have found a well-paying job. Don't worry about interviews. Come back tomorrow and start work."

Hannah thanked her and went to share the good news with her friend who had advised her to seek a job at the company.

A few days later, Hannah discussed her problem with Ike with Samba, who promised to help her repay the debt.

Samba asked for the lender's name, and Hannah told her.

Upon hearing Ike's name, Samba had Hannah describe him to confirm if it was the same Ike who borrowed money from her husband. When Hannah described him, Samba realized it was indeed the same Ike.

Samba told Johnson what Ike had done to her friend, and Johnson decided to call Ike over to ask for the repayment of his debt.

One Sunday afternoon, Ike went to Johnson's house. Johnson asked him to repay the loan.

"Johnson, please give me more time. I haven't gotten the money yet."

"Alright, wait a moment." Johnson called out, "Hannah!"

Hannah, who was in the kitchen, came to the sitting room when Johnson called her.

"Is this the person you're referring to?" Johnson asked her.

"Yes," Hannah replied.

"Ike, do you know her?" Johnson asked.

"No," Ike denied, feeling trapped.

"Liar! Are you not the one who took my land because of the 20k you lent me?" Hannah asked loudly.

Ike remained silent.

"I lent you two million Naira and even gave you more time to pay it back, but instead, you punished someone else over 20k," Johnson said sternly.