‘Karuwa!!’
‘Gold digger!’
‘Barawo!’
Every time I go to court and hear these words flung at me, I don’t feel shame, instead i feel regret.
There’s no shame in this matter; I have not said I didn’t collect N15million from Paulkinson. My stand is, we had an agreement which you clearly saw in the video on my phone; he agreed he would give me money to do business and help my family and in return I will allow him f–k me for free.
‘This money is not a loan; it is to help you in your business… I love you and I will do everything in my power to help you in your business…”
Those were Paulkinson’s words to me. I didn’t force the words off him. He told me himself, so why should I feel any shame as if I stole the money? He is a man whom I rejected and that is why he is angry and hissing like the snake that he is.
I met Paulkinson about five years ago at the bank; we were both staff of one of the big banks. I was serving, doing my NYSC while he was already one of the managers. He was one of the bosses I reported to. We became friendly; he invited me to lunch one day and it started from lunch to evening out and that’s how it started and from the beginning, I knew he was a married man. I mean, he was more than 33 years older than me, so we both knew from the very beginning that this relationship was not about marriage , it was purely for business reasons.
Anyway, after my service year, the bank did not retain me, so I went into the business of buying and selling which I had already began while I was in school and throughout my service year. I bought and sold textiles, shoes, cosmetics. I used to travel all over Nigeria, north, south, anywhere I find that one thing is in vogue and lacking in one region of Nigeria, I will buy and go and sell and make my money. It was from this business that I was able to take care of my siblings, since my parents were too old to provide for them.
At this time, I admit that I got plenty of financial help from Paulkinson; I would borrow from him and return and that was because I didn’t want to commit too much to him. Whatever money he spent on me would be him giving me freely, not something I needed to beg him for.
Even at that time, it was a boyfriend/girlfriend thing or in our case, man friend and girlfriend. Or tell me, what is the use of having a man friend who can’t help you? Is it only to f–k?
Now, I have a younger brother, who came to me saying, “Sister, I need so and so amount to go and do training as pilot in South Africa.”
Shuo!
Where will I get that kind of money from? But I know this my brother to be a very responsible young man, so I wanted to help him and that is why I approached Paulkinson for help and he said he would help me but he said he must be free to f–k me every time he wants.
Well before now, I just didn’t agree to be sleeping with him anyhow, but I saw it as a business deal; because in time, I too will be able to go to South Africa and trade, you know, buy things here and go there to sell.
So, I ask for an initial sum of N7 million; for school fees, accommodation and all. Since I am asking him to part with this huge sum, I should give him what he wants in return. So I agreed to it. And in fact, that was why I videoed it when he said he won’t collect the money back.
After some time, I needed more money and he promised to give me. One time it was another N4million and later N3.6m. So the total was N14.6m.
And yes; he was just like a hungry dog, every time it is sex, sex, sex. And since that was what I signed, I gave in, I fulfilled my part. In fact, at one time, we were living like husband and wife. He rented an apartment for me and would come there on Fridays then leave on Mondays.
That was almost three years ago.
Then on one of my trips, I met someone. I won’t tell you his name but he was a young person and we became friends. From friendship, he began to tell me he wanted to marry me but I didn’t commit for one whole year. I would just smile.
But of course, I was interested. I knew Paulkinson would never marry me. He had told me that several times because I was aware he was married with four children but I wanted a husband and children of my own. So what was I supposed to do? Continue to f–k a dead horse?
So, I made up my mind to tell the new guy that, come o, I have a man friend helping me, o. I live in his rented apartment and he has helped me for long. And my guy said, ok, I understand, leave him, I will take care of you but I don’t have plenty money.
I didn’t have a problem with that because I have my own money.
So, I called Paulkinson and told him that I wanted to end our relationship. That’s when trouble started. He abused and beat me that day, ehn!
I just knew, it was over. Then the shocker came, he said I owed him N15million! Nekwam! Where that one come from? How? Money he gave me and swore he would not collect again? Where would I even get that one sef?
That’s how I got arrested and I am now facing judge. I am being called all sorts of names. But I am not a thief. I didn’t steal that N15million!
I f–ked for every kobo.
-Series compiled and edited by Peju Akande and based on true stories.