LAWLESS

BY

AUGUSTA UDOK

Lawless
By Augusta Udok
(C) 2013

Characters
Ebitimi
Ureh
Target
Sword
Dawari
Kperin:
Perezi
Tupele
Akuna
Awongo

EPISODE ONE
SCENE 1

INT.

MRS. EBITIMIS RESIDENCE

DAY

THE DOOR BELL RINGS.

EBITIMI RUSHES INTO THE WEEL FURNISHED'LIVING ROOM
Ebitimi:

Just a minute.

EBITIMI OPENS THE DOOR.

Ebitimi:
Ureh:
Ebitimi:
Ureh:

Ureh! Ive been expecting you, come in,

Good evening Aunty Ebitimi.
So what did the doctor say?
He said; its typhoid and he

A LOUD AND CONTINUOUS POUNDING BEGINS TO ROCK THE DOOR

Dawari:
Ebitimi:
Ureh:
Ebitimi:

Open up! I said open up; because if I get in by force I will do more harm
(Whispering) Thieves at this hour of the day?
(Whispering) Aunty Im scared.
Say Psalm 23 in your mind and

POUNDING OF THE DOOR BEGINS AGIAIN.

Ureh:
Ebitimi:
Ureh:

I think we should open the door.

He or all those people cant get in; there is a burglary proof
You did look in when I came in

DOOR VIOLENTLY OPENS AND SLAM ON WALL.

DAWARI, FAIRLY BUILT LOOKING TWENTISH, RUSHES IN BRANDINSHING A
GUN.
Dawari:
Mrs. Ebitimi:
Dawari:
Mrs. Ebitimi:
Dawari:

Why didnt you open the door (SLAPS MRS. EBITIMI)

Ah!! Please-take what you want, dont harm us!
Shut up! Lie down flat! And dont look up except if you want to end up blind
Ahh no!
Hey! You!

UREH LOOKS UP QUESTIONINGLY.

Dawari:

Yes you, small girl, come here! I said come here; move or

DAWARI MOVES TO AND GRABS UREH.

UREH BEGINS TO STRUGGLING PUSHING THINGS TO THE FLOOR.
Ureh:
Dawari:

Aunty please dont let him take meAunty! Aunty!

Shut up or else Ill shot your Aunt Madam, you will hear from me soon.
Make sure you comply or else this will be the last time you see her. Make no
move to follow us; and if you call the police be sure her coffin is ready/
4

DAWARI DRAGS UREH OUT AND IS QUIKLY FOLLOWED BY THE REST OF THE
GANG WHO SLAM THE DOOR AS THEY DEPART.
CAR ENGINE COMES ALIVE FROM A DISTANCE. CAR VIOLENTLY SPEEDS OFF.
SCENE 2
INT MR. TARIMUS RESIDENCE
DAY
TARIMU IS READING WITH A HEAD SET OVEWR HIS EARS. HIS HEAD SWAYS
FROM SIDE TO SIDE AS HE SEEMS TO BE ENJOYING THE SOUND.
WE HEAR FOOT STEPS RUNNING.
Mrs. Ebitimi: (VO) Landlord! Landlord!
WE HEAR BANGING ON THE DOOR.
Mr. Tarimu:

(Startled) Eh! Eh Sorry my earphone was in my ear Please have mercy

on the door I have no plans for it in the nearest future.

EBITIMI RUSHES TO AND OPENS THE DOOR.

MRS EBITIMI IS PANTING FRANTICALLY; PACING IN ALL DIRECTIONS.
Mr. Tarimu:
Ebitimi:
Mr. Tarimu:
Ebitimi:
Mr. Tarimu:
Mrs. Ebitimi:
Mr. Tarimu:
Mrs. Ebitimi:
Mr. Tarimu:
Mrs. Ebitimi:
Mr. Tarimu:
Mrs. Ebitimi:
Mr. Tarimu:
Mrs. Ebitimi:
Mr. Tarimu:

My Lovely lady, so you have decided to honour my request (Confused)

Why are you hopping from one foot to the other?
I am finished
Ebitimi have a seat and calm down. Thats better. So what seems to be the
problem?
Ureh has been kidnapped.
(Laughs) My dear you worry too much. I saw her walking out with her
boyfriend. Some of his friends were waiting in front of your door. I saw her
struggling with him but Im too old to interfere in young lovers squabble
(Disappointed) You saw them and you refuse to help her. He is not her
boyfriend. Even a deaf man would have heard that she was calling for help
My earpiece was in my earWhat nonsense. Who could have been that
stupid to commit a crime in my house. The person wants to spoil the goodwill
my name Tarimu has brought to my tenants I better inform the police.
Aah! Mr. Tarimu please dont they said they would kill her if I called the
police
When dealing with criminals the best thing to do is do the opposite of what
they say.
Not when a life is involved
So what did they steal?
Nothing; they only took Ureh.
(Laughs) Honestly I think that girl planned it. Surel,y if they were thieves
they could have taken your jewelries. Youve got assorted designs of gold and
silver trinkets to mention but a few
She was scared; couldnt you see the distress on her face?
Trust me children of nowadays are born with talent for acting especially when
its for the benefit of spending time with the opposite sex (Drawing) Come,
come my dear lets go into my house and well go to a place only lovers go

Mrs. Ebitimi: (Angry) Instead of trying to solve the problem at hand you are looking for who
will satisfy your desire. You better look for the ladies of the night. Im going.
Mr. Tarimu: Im sorry. Please do sit stillOkay lets say she was really kidnapped, what
can you honestly do if I remember correctly? You just paid for her rent last
week. Were did you get the money?
Mrs. Ebitimi: Are you accusing me of being involved in a shady business?
Mr. Tarimu: No, but if this gets out of hand youll be answering worse questions. So lets
just say you are practicing Is she related to you and where did you get the
money to rent a self-contained for a young girl?
SILENCE
Mr. Tarimu:
Mrs. Ebitimi:
Mr. Tarimu:
Mrs. Ebitimi:
Mr. Tarimu:
Mrs. Ebitimi:
Mr. Tarimu:
Mrs. Ebitimi:
Mr. Tarimu:
Mrs. Ebitimi:

Look Im not the bad guy here am trying to help. If I cant call the police at
least lets brainstorm, we may come up with a plan to save her.
(Takes a deep breath) I suppose your right. The money came from Lydia
Odepho
(Impressed) The Lydia?
Yes, the Lydia, Commissioner Odephos wife. She said Ureh is related to her
and that I should help her get settled just to take her SSCE exam. After which
the girl will be gone. Thats why the rent is for only a year.
But why didnt she let the girl remain in her former school?
I never try to understand the rich and famous.
The shouldnt have been left on her own
Shes not, thats why she was put in my care
But she could live with you in your two-bedroom flat. Your children are not
back from boarding school
And end up depleting my resources. This brain-stormy isnt working, Im
going to my

A PHONE RINGS.
Tarimu stares at Mrs. Ebitimi
Mrs. Ebitimi: (Alarmed) Its from Ureh.
Mr. Tarimu: Could be shes back.
Mrs. Ebitimi: Hello
INTECUT SCENE 2 WITH SCENE 2B
SCENE 2B
Dawari:
Mrs. Ebitimi:
Dawari:
Mrs. Ebitimi:
Dawari:

EXT DESERTED ROD DAY

Listen and listen carefully, I want Three million Naira to
Where will I
Keep quiet when I talk. Dont speak unless I ask you to
(Murmuring acceptance) Mmh!
I want Three million Naira. You have three days. In three days time Ill tell
you how its to be delivered.

DAWARI PUTS THE PHONE TO UREHS EAR.

Ureh:

Aunty help! Help!

DAWARI SLAPS UREH; UREH FALLS TO THE GROUND AND RUSHES TO STAND
DEFIANTLY.
Dawari:

Shut up! Twat!

UREH BEGINS TO SCREAM.

Ebitimi:

(SCREAMING) Please dont hurt her

PHONE CALL ENDS ABRUPTLY

Ebitimi:
They are asking for Three million Naira.
Mr. Tarimu: Its not surprising. Thats what the range is on the News
Mrs. Ebitimi: I better inform her aunt, Lydia.
SCENE 3
EXT BUSH ROAD
DAY
THE ROAD IS BUSY WITH VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC.
DAWARI IS STRUGGLING TO MAKE A CALL.
Dawari:
Ureh:
Dawari:
Ureh:
Dawari:

(Sternly) I believe your name is Ureh?

Yes.
In your best interest do not play such stunts of trying to be smart. The next
time you interrupt me or revolt against me these bullets will find themselves in
your body
Where are you taking me to?
You have ears but; but it seems theyre connected to your mouth guys tie
her hands behind her and gag her mouth Get down.

THE GANG ALIGHTS FROM THE CAR.

Dawari

You too.

DAWARI SIGNALS THE REST OF THE GANG.

THE OTHERS DRAG UREH DOWN.
Ureh:
Dawari:

No, please, I wont talk again,

comply Boss must have switched off his phone Alright, Im going to
drive until I can find a clearing. You guys take her to the hideout, keep her
gagged and bound until I get back.

DAWARI DRIVES OFF.

SCENE 4
EXT JUNGLE
DAY
THE JUNGLE IS ALIVE WITH THE SOUNDS OF CRICKETS, OWLS AND OTHER
CREATURES.

Dawari:
Perezi:
Dawari:
Perezi:
Dawari:
Perezi:
Dawari:
Perezi:

Boss! Boss!
Bullet na you be dat?
Yes Boss
I no bin fit see you for de moonlight. I no wan take chances. Wetin don
happen?
Ive caught a new one
I hope say no be another pickin
No, this one is a young girl very fresh. She would make you feel like a king.
Well-rounded, succulent and fresh body. She will haunt many men in their
sleep. God took time to endow her with sex appeal.
Dawari? You dey craze for head? I hope you never touch the girl. We no be
rapists; na money we dey find. (Laughs) But eh make you bring the girl
come this side. Oya make you find person wey go take care of that pickin wey
you catch. If de pickin die, bad blood go enter dis bisiness, oya dey go.

SCENE 5
INT
A PHONE RINGS
Ebitimi:
Dawari:
Ebitimi:
Dawari:
Ebitimi:

EBITIMIS HOUSE

DAY

(On phone) Hello

Listen and listen good. Bring Fifty thousand Naira to Dataga T Junction.
Take the bush path on your left. Do not inform or come along with anyone
But where will I get that kind of money at this hour. Its already 10pm the
banks are
I believe youll sort that out if you want to see the girl again
Please dont

PHONE CALL CUTS ABRUPTLY

Ebitimi:

Oh Lord, what am I to do I better call Lydia.

EBITIMI BEGINS TO DIAL HER PHONE

Mr. Tarimu:
Ebitimi:
Mr. Tarimu:
Ebitimi:
Mr. Tarimu:
Ebitimi:
Mr. Tarimu:
Ebitimi:
Mr. Tarimu:
Ebitimi:
Mr. Tarimu:
Ebitimi:
Mr. Tarimu:
Ebitimi:

Ah! Ebitimi my love you are still awake

Yes oh. Good evening. I have serious problem
Anything I can do to help?
Very much sir
Remove the formality. Call me Mr. Tarimu? No! Call me Tarimu that should
bridge the gap between us
Tarimu.
Thats better. So, how can I be of service?
Please I need it really bad it/s a matter of life and death
What is the thing you need?
Im going to pay you back. Its not a gift. I
(Takes a deep breath) Tell me what you want me to do or give
I need Fifty thousand Nai
What? What for?
Its a matter of

Mr. Tarimu:
Ebitimi:
Mr. Tarimu:
Ebitimi:
Mr. Tarimu:
Ebitimi:
Mr. Tarimu:
Ebitimi:
Mr. Tarimu:

Life and death? Its not for these hooligans called kidnappers
No! Why would I want to give them money?
So what is it for?
Its a womans affair; kind of embarrassing
Why would I give you such money; I mean tenants shouldnt borrow from
their landlords? But if you and I were friends-that would be an appreciable
scenario.
You are not giving, its lending Besides if I dont live past this month
because of this money you would have to chase my corpse
God forbid But I dont have Fifty in the house, just thirty thousand; Ill
give you the complete money tomorrow.
No please, give me the thirty I have some money with me. Ill give you the
money before the week runs out.
(Laughs) Ebi, Ebi, you know Ill do anything for you.

Tarimu moves in trying to touch Mrs Ebitimi; she slowly evades his advances.
SCENE 6
EXT ROAD
DAY
A TAXI STOPS AT A DESERT JUNCTION.
TARGET RAISES HIS HEAD FROM BEHIND THE BUSHES. AND BEGINS A
EBITIMI ALIGHTS FROM THE TAXI AND BEGINS TO WALK DOWN THE ROAD
EBITIMI WALKS DOWN THE ROAD LOOKING
Target:
Ebitimi:
Target:
Ebitimi:
Target:

(STERNLY) Dont turn! Walk straight along the bush path.

(ATTEMPTING TO LOOK BACK) Is Ureh safe?
(PUSHING EBITIMI S HEAD) I said look forward!
But- but Here is the money!
Move!

TARGET GUIDES EBITIMI OFF THE ROAD.

SCENE 6B EXT BUSH
DAY
TARGET ARRIVES WITH EBITIMI AT WHERE DAWARI AND THE REST OF HIS
CREW ARE WAITING.
Dawari:

Stop! Close your eyes.

DAWARI BLINDFOLDS MRS EBITIMI.

Ebitimi:
Dawari:
Ebitimi:
Dawari:

How can I see what ah!

Quiet! The blindfold is for our security. If you came with anyone consider the
person dead.
I came with no one.
Good for you Move gently. Ill guide you.

SCENE 6C

EXT HIDE OUT

A BLINDFOLDED EBITIMI WALKS CAUSTIOUSLY AS DAWARI, TARGET AND THE

OTHER ARMED GANG MEMBERS FOLLOW HER.
Dawari:

Stop Remove the blindfold from her eyes

TARGET REMOVES THE BLINDFOLD FROM MRS EBITIMIS.

Dawari:

The money

EBITIMI HANDS OVER AND ENVELOP.

Dawari:
Ebitimi:
Dawari:
Ebitimi:
Dawari:

Target, count the money.

Where is Ureh?
Shut up! You have no right to talk or ask of her
But Ive paid the ransom.
(Laughs uncontrollably) Youre quite stupid. The ransom is Three million
Naira. Fifty thousand is for Logistics.

A BABY BEGINS TO CRY.

Dawari:

Sword bring the child.

SWORD STEPS UP WITH A BABY WRAPED IN A CLOTH.

DAWARI COLLECTS THE BABY AND HANDS IT TO EBITIMI
Dawari:
Ebitimi:
Dawari:
Ebitimi:
Dawari:
Ebitimi:
Dawari:
Ebitimi:
Dawari:
Ebitimi:
Dawari:

Feed the baby!

How?
Youre a woman; youve got breasts; feed her!
Im not a nursing mother.
What has nursing to do with this? Just put your breast in its mouth and
The child; dont refer to the baby as it.
You have the nerve to correct me?
Im sorry. But I cant feed her. Im not a nursing mother. Where is the
mother?
The mother has not complied.
(In disbelief) Youyouyou mean you kidnapped her?
For ransom yesSword bring the things

SWORD PRODUCES A BAG AND EMPTIES ITS CONTENTS OF TINS, PLATE, SPOON
KEEP ON TABLE
Dawari:
Ebitimi:
Dawari:
Ebitimi:
Dawari:

Prepare a meal for her!

Thats not possible.
Thats pap, powdered milk, liquid milk. She refuses to eat anything. Just
make her keep quiet
Shes too young for you to be separated from her mother. These days babies
are fed strictly on breast milk. The milk you bought is for adults not infants.
Her temperature is high. If you dont return the baby she will die.
Damn! Damn! What a mess!

10

Ebitimi:
Dawari:

Ebitimi:
Dawari:

What about Ureh?

She is safe until I dont see the three million; I have no use for you now so Im
sending you home. You will remain my contact to get the money. If you obey
you will live to tell the tale. If you disobey and act otherwise then you will be
otherwise. Bullet blindfold her. And lead her to the road
What about the baby?
Go and get my ransome.

EBITIMI ATTEMPTS TO SPEAK BUT IS QUICKLY BLINDFOLDED AND GAGGED.

BULLET AND TARGET LEAD EBITIMIAND THE BABY AWAY.
PHONE RINGS
Dawari:
Kperin:
Dawari:
Kperin:
Dawari:

Hello
(Hysterically) Dawari, come oh! Come, mummy, in the hospital, Tupele,
Tupele was
Kperin, calm down, which hospital?
Marian Hospital.
Calm down. I will be there soon.

SCENE 7
INT HOSPITAL DAY
Kperin is pacing round the corridor.
Dawari rushes in looking well dressed and civilized.
Dawari:
Kperin:
Dawari:
Kperin:
Dawari:
Kperin:
Dawari:
Kperin:
Dawari:
Kperin:
Dawari:
Kperin:
Dawari:

Kperin!
Dawari; thank God youre here
Where is mummy?
Shes in the intensive care unit.
Ive told her to stop worrying about my fees that Ill work something out. She
knows shes hypertensive.
Its not your fees that triggered the shock. Uncle had already given her.
Tupele was kidnapped in the morning when he came back from all night party
with his friends.
The police caught
Not the police, they mistook him to be one of the Commissioners children.
The kidnappers are asking for three million
So how did mum get to hear it?
Tupele must have given mums number to the kidnappers
Let me go in and see her.
The nurses wont allow you till morning. Shes not to be disturbed Sorry I
had to take Ten thousand Naira from your school fees to pay deposit for
mums bill
No problem Ill see you in the morning. Be strong.

Dawari walks away.

11