They entered the headquarters of the lawyers just as he arrived. However, before they could reach him, he was taken into an interrogation room. There was only a table and two chairs facing each other. He finished surveying the room with a frown before pulling out a chair and sitting down. As he settled in, an officer entered and respectfully asked if he needed anything, like tea. He paused, looking at the officer, then gave a small smile and shook his head. The officer left, and he leaned back in the chair and closed his eyes. After about twenty minutes, the door opened again. He didn't move or open his eyes until the officer sat down. The officer tapped the table lightly, but Maash still didn't move. The officer cleared his throat before speaking, “Sir, we don't have much time. If you don't mind, could you answer a few questions for us?”
“Get to the point,” Maash said curtly.
The officer's frustration showed, but he continued, “There are containers of yours that left Lagos two nights ago for Ghana. We found young girls inside one of them, and we have evidence they were being trafficked. Additionally, in that container, we found illegal goods.”
“Like what?” Maash asked with a mocking tone.
The officer, now visibly angry, continued, “The drivers confirmed they came from your company.” He pushed photos across the table. Maash didn't bother to pick them up, just glanced at them and shook his head dismissively. “I don't recognize these faces among my staff.”
“We can't take your word for it. You could be hiding them. But those containers are definitely yours.”
Maash remained silent, showing no intention of responding. After a moment, he smiled briefly, ran his hand over his neatly trimmed beard, and adjusted his seating. “Mr. Officer, it seems you need to remember that you are not a judge but an officer. Any answers to your questions will come from my lawyers.” With that, he leaned back, crossed his arms, and closed his eyes again.
The officer, now furious, stood up abruptly and left. Maash smiled slightly, still not opening his eyes.
The lawyers representing Maash battled at the station all afternoon. He remained in the interrogation room. When it was time for prayer, he requested to perform ablution. They couldn't deny him that right. He didn't even glance at the food Hayatu brought him. It wasn't the chaos of the station that bothered him; his mind was elsewhere.
Around Maghrib, Baba Prof arrived. From the airport, he came straight to the station, where almost the entire family had gathered: Paah, Uncle Abdullahi, Hajiya Mammah, Maman Maleeka (Uncle Abdullahi’s wife), and Hayatu, who was shuttling between the hospital where Samraah was admitted and the station. Even after Baba Prof's arrival, it took another three hours before they secured Maash's release under strict conditions.
At 9:00 PM, Maash was finally brought out of the room. He glanced at his family and then looked away, continuing to walk calmly towards them. Baba Prof hugged him, repeatedly saying "Alhamdulillah." Maash remained silent. After releasing him, Baba Prof started checking him for injuries and asking questions. “Are you hungry? Do you have any pain? Did they harm you in any way?”
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