Lola Banjoko works for a Microfinance Bank. Most of the staff at the bank has at least a minimum of 4 years experience and above. There were a few other positions available and the Managing Director of the bank requested that anyone who can help get someone they trust should present their names.
While on lunch break, Lola was on her way back to her office when she heard someone shout her name. She turned, and it was Rotimi Ajayi, her Banking and Finance classmate while she was in School. “Rote Rote” she responded. That was what they all called him in school.
She couldn’t stay to chat with him for long. Lunch break was soon over but he agreed to meet her at the same place she had lunch the next day.
Lola was at their agreed venue the next day and 5 minutes later, Rotimi walks in. He was in a terrible gridlock and apologised “It’s ok, Rote, I also just got here about five minutes ago too.” Lola responded.
They ordered their lunch and while they waited for it, they did a lot of catching up. It was in the course of their conversation that Lola found out Rotimi was unemployed. He was working in a financial institution but told Lola he had issues with his boss so he had to leave. When Lola asked him what really happened he said “it’s a long story, hopefully one day, we get to discuss it. So how are you doing now?” he asked and she said “I am fine. I work at the Micro Finance bank across the street…interestingly, we are hunting for a few more hands, perhaps you should send your CV, so I can put in a word or two for you”. Lola said. “Oh Whao! Thanks Lola, I will surely send it across tonight.”. After eating and spending a few more minutes together, they got up and departed.
The next day, while at work, Lola printed out Rotimi’s CV and took to her immediate boss. He glanced through and asked if she was sure he was fit for the job and she said yes. Her boss then said “Well, I see just one referee here; it means you will be the second one since you brought him and you can vouch for him.” Lola was fine with that. 1 week later, Rotimi was called for interview and after going through the process, he was given an appointment letter and he was to resume the following Monday.
Rotimi couldn’t hide his joy and was very grateful to Lola. He began working at the Bank and he was doing quite well. Whenever it was lunch time, he and Lola would go to have lunch together. They were both in different departments so it worked for them.
Lola however observed that whenever she went for lunch with Rotimi, he would often say “If you do not have control over money, even if you read accountancy or Banking and Finance, you can be a thief” and they would both laugh but when she alone, she wondered why he consistently said so.
Six months into his work, the bank observed that some monies were missing and the MD kept insisting and making it known to all of them that investigation was on-going and if the culprits are found, the consequences would be grave.
The investigation was thorough, only the MD and his deputy knew how intense it was. When the investigation was concluded, they found out that Rotimi was the culprit and had stolen up to 4.5million naira.
Two days to the discovery, Rotimi had called in to say he was sick. The Managing Director called Lola to his office and as she entered, she saw some faces she wasn’t familiar with. Her boss introduced them to her as the investigators and told her Rotimi was the culprit. He told her they have been trying to reach him but his phone was switched off. The number he used as the referee was not going through.
Lola explained that she had also tried reaching him but couldn’t. “I am sorry Madam Lola, we have to arrest you and you will be in our custody until we hear from Rotimi” one of the Police officials present said. She broke down in tears but knew she had to make some calls. Her elder brother was in the US and her sister stayed in Yola. She did not want them to know. She took her belongings and called her best friend to meet her at the police station.
The office was in a sour state, everyone wishing her well as they took her into their car and drove off to the station.
All Lola could do was to pray. She had never been to Rotimi’s house and didn’t know his whereabouts. Her best friend’s brother is a lawyer however, because Lola didn’t want the case to go public, she begged her friend not to tell anyone yet. After spending 4 days behind bars, her friend said she would not keep it again and resorted to telling her brother. On the 5th day, he showed up at the station and explained to Lola that it was a tough one because she stood in for him and even signed to that effect but that he would try.
On the 7th day, guess who walked into the police station where Lola was taken in? Rotimi! He turned himself in and said his conscience couldn’t take it anymore as he had been hearing all that had happened and knew Lola didn’t deserve to go through what she was going through.
Lola was released but resigned from her place of work. The embarrassment was much and working at her previous place of assignment would always bring her bad memories. She has since gone into business, changed her place of residence and is generally positive about life.
Kemi Ajumobi
