Chapter 3: Arresting Chief Ezemmuo

Planning the Arrest

The night was thick with tension as Emmanuel, Adebayo, and a few close friends sat in the dimly lit hut that served as their makeshift command center. The air was heavy with the acrid scent of smoky kerosene from the lantern hanging above the table, casting shadows on the walls. Maps, documents, and scribbled notes littered the wooden table, each with potential routes and strategies for their mission.

Adebayo leaned across the table, his finger tracing a line on the map. "Ezemmuo's compound is over there," he pointed, tapping a spot deep in the forest, an hour's ride from Ekulu. "It's well guarded, but if we go in quickly and quietly, we can catch them off guard."

Emmanuel sat at the head of the table, arms crossed and brow furrowed in concentration. "We will have to split into two groups. One will create a diversion at the front gate and the other one will enter by the back. Ezemmuo will not expect us attacking from both sides."

Jonas, who had stayed silent until then, said. "I'm familiar with the layout of the compound. We've been in before. Behind the house there is a rear door that ends up at the storage shed. If we're able to make our entry back door, then we can bypass the majority of the guards."

Adebayo nodded, his sharp eyes scanning the map. "Good. That's our way in. But we'll need to move fast. Ezemmuo's men are well-armed, and they won't hesitate to shoot."

Emmanuel's teeth ground together as he looked around the room at the faces of his fellow soldiers. These were men who knew his father, men who had endured Leo's reign of terror. They were risking their lives on this mission, and Emmanuel felt the weight of that responsibility.

"This isn't just about arresting Ezemmuo," Emmanuel said, his voice low but firm. "This is about sending a message to Leo. We're coming for him, and we're not backing down. One soldier covers one group."

The room fell silent, the gravity of the moment settling over them. Then, one by one, the men nodded, their expressions resolute. They were ready.

The Confrontation

As Emmanuel and his group went through the trees in silence, the forest was filled with cricket sounds and the occasional owl hoot. The moon was low in the sky, giving the surroundings a spooky glow. The tension in the air was evident as they approached Ezemmuo's compound with each step.

As they approached the compound, Emmanuel signaled for the team to stop. They could see, through the trees, the far-off flicker of firelight and the black shapes of guards patrolling the perimeter. The compound was larger than they had anticipated, its walls high and an enormous iron gate.

"Remember the plan," Emmanuel whispered, his voice so quiet that it was barely audible. "Team One, create the diversion. Team Two, follow me."

Team One, led by Jonas and one soldier, made a run for the front gate, their steps muffled by the soft ground. Barely more than a second later, a deafening crash boomed as they set off a small explosive near the gate and a cloud of smoke billowed into the air. Guards yelled out in fear, their gazes instinctively drawn to the commotion.

"Now!" Emmanuel caught his breath, leading Team Two to the compound's side. They moved silently and quickly along the hidden route Jonas had mentioned. The storage shed was visible, its door creaked open. Emmanuel signaled the team to halt as he peered inside.

The shed was empty, aside from a few crates and barrels. Emmanuel motioned for the team to enter as they crept inside, swiftly and silently. From here, they moved to the main house, their guns at the ready.

The screams and gunfire echoed from the front of the house as Team One kept their cover. Emmanuel and his team moved through the house like specters, their feet quiet on the wooden floors. They arrived at Ezemmuo's office, the door ajar.

Emmanuel kicked the door open, his machete glinting in the gloom. Inside, Chief Ezemmuo cowered behind his desk, his eyes wide with horror. He was a large man, his face etched with years of violence and greed. Around him, the walls were adorned with mementos of black magic—animal skulls, arcane symbols, and jars filled with unknown substances.

"Ezemmuo," Emmanuel stated, his voice firm and cold. "You are under arrest."

Ezemmuo's astonishment gave way to anger. "You fool!" he sneered, standing up from his chair. "Do you have any idea who you're dealing with? Leo will kill you!"

Emmanuel moved closer, his hand tightening on his machete. "Leo's time will come. And yours will come too."

The Confession

The battle was brief but intense. Ezemmuo attacked Emmanuel, but Emmanuel was faster. He ducked the attack and slammed the hilt of his machete into Ezemmuo's head and he fell to the ground. The crew overpowered him soon and bound his hands with rope.

As they dragged Ezemmuo from the study, the compound was in chaos. Team One had successfully diverted most of the guards and were now swarming the remaining guards. The operation was a success, but Emmanuel knew the battle was only beginning.

Back in the village, Ezemmuo was brought to a secure location for interrogation. Emmanuel stood over him, his expression hard and unyielding. "Where is Leo?" he demanded.

Ezemmuo glared up at him, his face twisted with defiance. "I told you he's in Lagos. But you'll never find him. He's untouchable."

Emmanuel leaned in, his voice low and dangerous. "You're going to tell me everything, Ezemmuo. Or you'll regret it."

For a moment, Ezemmuo had stayed firm, but then something shifted in his face as one of the soldiers gave him a hot slap. The defiance disappeared to be replaced by a flash of fear. He caught on that Emmanuel was not joking.

"Fine," Ezemmuo snarled, his voice barely above a whisper. "Leo's in the city. He's been bribing officials, making his connections. But he's not just a criminal, Emmanuel. He's something else. He uses dark magic to manipulate people. He used it on your mother, Elsie. He enslaved her to him, made her subservient. And when he was done with her, he discarded her. You mother wasn't his last victim."

Emmanuel's heart pounded in his chest as the words sank in. His mother's pain, her suffering—it was all because of Leo. The anger inside him burned hotter than ever, but he forced himself to stay focused.

"Where is he now?" Emmanuel asked, his voice like steel.

Ezemmuo hesitated, then sighed. "I don't know his particular location, but he's in Lagos. But you'll never get to him. He's too powerful."

Emmanuel straightened, his resolve hardening. "We'll see about that."