Nida Barrister Sadeeq Book

Description

Pages 1 & 2

Kano State There was no sound except the bustling noise of people inside the courtroom. Arguments were back and forth; while some were exiting the courtroom, others stood chatting. Some felt overjoyed by the victory achieved, while others felt the exact opposite. With the calm demeanor that had become second nature to him, he headed toward the door and exited. Major male and female journalists followed him, eager to ask critical questions regarding the trial. However, he didn't give them a glance. He walked while holding their lawyer-style hat and some files in his hand, while his legal gown hung draped over one shoulder. He was not one to smile easily; his face bore an expression that was neither overly warm nor stern. Being dark-complexioned, he was a thoroughly handsome, fine specification of a man—full of youth, stature, and wealth. A single glance at him was enough to confirm that comfort and luxury flowed through every part of his body.

That was Barrister Sadeeq Lamido! A energetic, high-flying young man who held firmly to the truth amidst the fame he had attained in the world. His long face was fitted with black eyeglasses that concealed his beautiful eyes. He headed straight toward a sleek black Lexus X750 car...

"Lamido! Please wait for me!" called DPO Mohd, his close best friend who was behind him.

Sadeeq curled his lip slightly and checked his wristwatch before opening the driver’s side door to place the files inside...

"I congratulate you on your victory over my father. However, I pity you for stepping into our affairs. I want you to know that no one enters our territory and leaves unscathed. You will answer for being the reason my father received a 12-year prison sentence. So what if they play with a widow's dust when you represent someone and win?"

A young man standing in front of him spoke while breathing heavily, fixing Barrister Sadeeq Lamido with a sinister glare.

"You are very stupid! Are you talking to the Barrister like that?" interjected DPO Mohd as he approached.

Before Bilal could speak further, Lamido's bodyguards quickly arrived at the scene. Sadeeq, standing there with a lazy, multi-faceted smile, snapped his right thumb and index finger, shook his head, removed his eyeglasses, and looked at the fuming Bilal.

"You can go," was all he said as he set down the files in his hand. Bilal snorted, turned, and walked away in anger. Mohd, knowing his friend's stubbornness and firm heart, knew very well that Sadeeq wouldn't just leave Bilal alone; he would personally take decisive action against him.

"Congratulations, my friend! May Allah grant you more victories. But you should at least listen to these journalists..."

"Did they capture your fancy?" Sadeeq remarked in a composed voice that naturally omitted the "R" sound.

Before Mohd could reply, he heard Sarah's voice behind him calling his name. Sadeeq twisted his face in a slight scowl, let out a short hiss, and said, "Look, mister, if you're going to stand around for a little girl, I'm taking off. We'll meet later at home."

"Uhmm, she is 18 years old. Is that what you call a little girl? Though, since you're dating an older woman who is almost your age mate, you naturally look at Sarah and call her a child."

Lamido ignored him and got into the car without acknowledging the greeting Sarah offered as she arrived. Deep down, Mohd was displeased by Lamido’s behavior. Besides their romantic relationship, Sarah was his relative—the daughter of his mother's younger brother—and they had come to watch the trial. Mohd watched the car drive off, followed closely by his bodyguards' vehicle.

Mohd let out a sigh and said, "Baby love, come on, let me take you home, okay?"

She pouted her face and said, "Is this Brother Sadeeq's hot-headedness too much? I'm not going to greet him again..."

"Don't worry, he's just in a bad mood. I don't want you to stop greeting him, do you hear?" he said as they walked together toward his car. After getting in, he drove toward her neighborhood to drop her off at their family home in Hotoro.

Dr. Hidayat was seated in the magnificent parlor of her residential wing. She was exquisitely dressed, effectively hiding her true age. Since it was the weekend, she hadn't gone to the office. She was watching the news coverage of the trial presented by Sadeeq Lamido's team in court and the victory he secured. Even His Excellency the Governor had honored him with a reward and a high position. Her face radiated joy and genuine happiness.

Farooq, an 8-year-old boy, ran into the room with Zarah chasing behind, intent on hitting him. He dove into Dr. Hidayat’s arms, saying, "Mama, look at her, she wants to beat me!"

"Since I'm home today, won't you let me rest? I won't tell you to stop, but by Allah, you know how your father is if he catches you doing this."

Farooq quickly settled down, while Zarah glared at him, saying, "I'd love for big brother to return so I can report him to him."

"Please, Aunty Zarah, I'm sorry," he said in a pleading voice, knowing he was at fault. She rolled her eyes at him and sat on the couch.

Just then, Abba walked in, looking sharp and smelling of fine perfume. He sat beside Mama and said, "Dr., well done with your rest."

"Welcome, Alhaji. Are you going out?"

"Yes, I'm going to visit the village. You know it's been a long time since I went. I thought it best to go today since it's the weekend, especially now that this trial is over. However, I fear what might follow, by Allah."

"Meaning what?"

"Hey, you kids, give us some space."

Without argument, Zarah and the rest left the parlor. With a serious expression, Abba said, "Alhaji Lukman called me on the phone just now. He advised me to tell my boy to be very careful because Alhaji Lamis's people have no mercy. I told him that they cannot accomplish anything unless Allah wills it. That is just how life is; anyone who stands for the truth in these times will surely face trials."

"That is true, Alhaji. We must double our prayers for him, and he is praying too. My boy is a warrior, Insha Allah nothing bad will happen to him."

"True. May Allah protect the journey. I'll be taking off."

"Alright, Alhaji. May Allah protect your route. I'll call you when you arrive. I suppose their Aunty (her co-wife) will escort you to the car?"

"You can escort me too if you wish, Doctor."

"Ah, no, better that you go. You know she has a strong competitive jealousy, and today is her turn." He said nothing and walked out. She watched him go with a smile, knowing he was slightly offended by her words, but in her view, staying back was better to maintain peace.

Very slowly, Lamido drove into the street of Kabuga neighborhood. From the main entrance gate to the interior, security guards, gatemen, plant-waterers, and garden caretakers were scattered across the compound. As he prepared to honk, he noticed Suhan's car parked at the side of the lane. Immediately, his expression darkened. He reversed, parked, and stepped out.

With a gesture of his hand, he instructed his bodyguards to go inside. He sat on the hood of his car, stealing glances at Suhan's vehicle. Shortly after, the back door opened, and Suhan along with her friend Feedy stepped out, dressed in National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) uniforms. Suhan had wrapped a thin shawl over her braided hair extensions, while Feedy wore only her cap. Anyone unfamiliar with them would assume Feedy was from an ethnic minority; neither appeared like Muslim youth raised with complete moral upbringing and fear of God.

Out of the corner of his eye, Lamido observed both of them. This caused him to tighten his expression even further, tapping on his phone while rhythmically moving his legs in casual slip-on shoes. Even before they reached him, the rich fragrance of his perfume filled the space.

"Baby! We've been waiting for your arrival for over an hour. I knew you didn't want me coming to the court, so I came here to wait for you," Suhan said alluringly, standing beside him.

He remained silent for nearly ten seconds. Feedy turned up her nose and said, "Good morning."

"Fine!" was all he said dryly, stepping down from the hood of the car while noticing Suhan looking at him as if she wanted to devour him.

"I want to speak with you alone," he said sternly.

Before Suhan could even ask Feedy, Feedy gave them space and quickly walked away. As if waiting for that moment, he immediately started scolding her: "Suhan, why don't you listen? How many times must I tell you to stop coming to my house to find me? Is this good manners? If you were patient, don't I come to see you every Friday? There are barely 5 months left for you to finish your service year before our wedding date is set..."

The sound of the gate opening made him turn; he saw Abba's car driving out. He knew where Abba was going because he had informed him that morning. Abba saw them clearly and kept his eyes on them until the car passed by.

"Now, baby, just because I came to see you, it becomes a crime?" Suhan feigned a spoiled pout and started crying, knowing that doing so usually softened his posture.

"Please, that's enough. Go on, I will come over later."

She shrugged her shoulder and said, "No, get up and walk me to my car then."

He didn't speak; he stepped to her side, and she quickly grabbed his hand. He abruptly snatched his hand away, casting her a intense look that made her heart drop. At that exact moment, Mohd's car parked right in front of them. Lamido hissed and pointed toward her car with his hand, signaling her to leave. Mumbling under her breath, she walked toward her car. She noticed Mohd stepping out, but she didn't even get a chance to greet him.

Feeling angry, she got into her car. Feedy remarked, "By Allah, Sadeeq's disrespect toward you has reached its limit. He acts like an uncultured villager..."

"Is Lamido the uncultured villager, Feedy?"

"Pretty much. He acts like someone who isn't exposed. Supposedly, he spent 6 years abroad! Just hugging him causes him to lecture you on God's boundaries..."

"By Allah, Feedy, I get annoyed myself when he does that. I wished he would satisfy my desires before we even get married, but he refused. The day I brought it up, he said he would break up with me forever. He disgraced me so much; I barely convinced him back, Feedy. If not for the fact that I love him for his looks, his prestige, and who he is, I would have given up on him long ago. I want to give myself to Musty, but when I remember that if we get married and he finds out I'm not a virgin, I'll be in deep trouble with him..."

"That's why I only let Musty do romance with me..."

"Suit yourself; if he gives you a broken heart, that's on you. Your only relief is that he doesn't care for women."

"Even if he liked women, by Allah, I could commit murder because of Lamido. Mark my words."

"Murder? Is that what you said, Suhan?" Feedy asked in surprise.

She nodded in firm confirmation before driving off...

With a sour face, Mohd walked over to Sadeeq Lamido, watching Suhan's departure with a look that expressed his inner thoughts: Perhaps her bright bleaching and exposed chest caught his attention, because he saw nothing to like about her, especially her character. A 28-year-old woman who wasn't married, and as far as he knew, she and Lamido had been dating for 2 years.

"If you have nothing to say, I'm going inside," Sadeeq Lamido said, curling his lip as he noticed how Mohd was staring at Suhan, aware that Mohd disapproved of her.

"If you want to go inside, no problem," Mohd replied, shrugging his shoulders.

Dismissively, Lamido curled his lip, refusing to speak while continuing to tap his phone.

"Honestly, I wasn't happy that baby love greeted you and you refused to respond."

"Okay, so you came here just to complain about her?" Lamido said, scowling.

"Uhmm, at least she greeted you; someone else didn't even know how to greet. I won't hide it from you, Lamido—you and Suhan are not a good match at all. A girl without upbringing, let alone natural modesty. Just full of pride, viewing herself as modern. In your eyes, is this the kind of woman who will raise your child properly? Never, by Allah! Even her own upbringing needs fixing. You should look for a cute, young girl suited for you who will give you all the affection you want, because I know you like affection. And a young girl will be obedient to you, in my view. But someone like Suhan, whose eyes are wide open—it will be hard to direct her as you wish..."

"Look, Mohd! I didn't ask you for all this talk. Since you feel you can handle a young girl, that's your business. You'll just invite disrespect upon yourself. As for upbringing and obedience, keep your eyes open and watch when the marriage happens. I know I love Suhan as she is."

"Okay, fine then. May Allah grant us life and good health. I'm not saying every woman who remains unmarried for long is like this, but Suhan's character traits are obvious..."

Sadeeq let out a long, irritated sigh, opened his car door, and got in, wondering why Mohd was meddling in his relationship with Suhan. Mohd smiled, got into his own car, and vowed not to look for him first—he would let Sadeeq reach out himself since he had taken the matter so defensively.

Who is Barrister Sadeeq Lamido?

Alhaji Ahmed Abubakar Lamido originates from Charanchi Local Government in Katsina State. After completing his diploma studies, his hide/skin trading business brought him to Kano State. There, he got married and brought his parents and younger brother, Hamisu.

Hajiya Hidayat was his first wife, and her father was Alhaji Ahmed's benefactor. Salma is their eldest daughter, followed by Hafsat, then Sadeeq, Zarah, and Farooq. Meanwhile, Hajiya Binta (Anty Amarya) has four children: Amira, Moon, Khairiyya, and Auta Safiya. They grew up in unity and mutual respect, even though Hajiya Binta was blessed by Allah with a strongly jealous nature; however, Dr. Hidayat (whom they call Mama) never traded words with her.

Before marrying Abba, Mama began her medical studies, which she continued after marriage. Upon completion, she began practicing with great success. She now owns her own hospital, built for her by Sadeeq a year ago. Currently in Kano city, Alhaji Ahmed is listed among the top wealthy elites.

Sadeeq is a dignified, energetic, and stylish young man. He is currently 33 years old. Barely two years after completing his law degree, he reached the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and became a highly successful private lawyer with immense public popularity. He engages in light business on the side. When he chooses to, he defends clients in court without accepting a single dime, and he never accepts a case he knows lacks merit or truth. Sadeeq dislikes excessive talk and lies, which is why his younger siblings hold him in great awe. He possesses a stern disposition when angered, as he rarely loses his temper, but when he does, it is severe. Above all, he is a brave front-line figure—fearless and unshakeable.

Since childhood, he and Mohd grew up together; only sleep separated them. After secondary school, each pursued his desired path. Sadeeq is a handsome guy with striking looks and a captivating voice, which is why women frequently bother him. In Australia, he met Suhan, who was visiting on vacation. She persisted in approaching him and courting his interest until he began paying attention to her. Upon returning to Nigeria, they continued their relationship. Although he had never dated anyone before her, he held strict views regarding the woman he would marry: he disliking marrying overly young girls, believing they lack adequate maturity and reasoning, and preferred an educated, sophisticated woman. That was why he felt he could love Suhan.

Yet, hardly a week passed without him getting upset with her. When she suggested that they engage in physical intimacy before marriage, she saw the full extent of his rage. He drove her away, slapped her, and spoke harsh words to her. However, being persistent, she visited his office repeatedly three days later. He turned her away with humiliation. Ultimately, she attempted to hang herself after informing her parents that they should either call him or watch her commit suicide. Her father, Alhaji Garba, went in great distress to Abba to inform him. Abba called Sadeeq, who hurried to her house and found her in the process of hanging herself. From that moment, feeling pity, he forgave her, his head throbbing at the thought that she could kill herself over him. Later, he advised her against such actions, though she repeatedly declared she could kill for him.

Sadeeq does not talk excessively unless it pertains to his work. He loves cleanliness and fine fragrances, and he deeply respects and obeys his parents. He is tall and dark-complexioned, with a visible prayer mark (zabiba) in the center of his forehead that enhances his appearance. He rarely keeps full hair, preferring a neat trim, and maintains his beard with quality oils. The household children would rather go to bed hungry than step on his toes, as his punishments are never light.

Anty Salma and Anty Hafsat are both married with children. Hajiya Hidayat is kind-hearted and beloved by people, whereas Hajiya Binta is haughty and proud. Salma and Hafsat share Binta's disposition—disliking poor people or acknowledging that their origins trace back to a rural village. Their mother frequently scolds them, but they haven't stopped. Uncle Hamisu also lives in Kano with his family.

Sadeeq values family ties and rarely engages in casual friend conflicts. Aside from Mohd, who now serves as a DPO (Divisional Police Officer), he has no close friend. Currently, Sadeeq is constructing a massive mansion where he and Suhan are expected to live. He even took her to see it, where she expressed how she wanted the layout designed, to which he agreed. Everyone in the household knows about him and Suhan. Only Zarah and Moon dislike her due to her lack of proper etiquette. Mama has met her only once, while Anty Hafsa and Anty Salma like Suhan, viewing her as a fitting match for their brother.

Pages 3 & 4

Around afternoon (Azahr) prayer time, Abba and his entourage arrived in Charanchi town. They headed straight to Malam Auwal's house, having stopped along the way to perform their prayers.

Malam Auwal was Abba's childhood friend. Because Malam Auwal's parents were Islamic scholars, he did not pursue deep Western education, stopping at secondary school. He was sitting in the entrance porch (soro) of his house on a mat, writing on a wooden slate (allo). A single look at him revealed he was not in good health, maintaining his posture only through sheer willpower.

Abba's two young companions entered with greetings, carrying food items. Malam raised his head, answered the greeting, and watched as they set down a bag of rice and cartons of spaghetti and macaroni.

"Servants of Allah, where are you from?"

Abba, stepping into the porch, said, "From Kano!"

In surprise, Malam looked at him and said, "Alhaji Amadu, is that you, or am I seeing a ghost?"

"It's me, my friend," he replied, sitting beside him while the young men greeted and stepped outside.

Taking in the state of the house and Malam himself with sympathy, Abba softly asked, "How is the family?"

"The family is doing fine, Alhamdulillah. But Jummai passed away almost a year ago..."

"Innalillahi wa inna ilaihir raju'un! Truly, it has been a long time since I came to this town or visited anyone."

"I believe it's been about 12 years since we last met."

"That is true. Please forgive me; I will take your phone number so we can maintain contact."

"Wonderful! How is Sadeeq? I assume he has settled down with a family by now?"

Abba smiled and said, "Not yet." From there, he explained Sadeeq's status, his career, and how he stood amidst dangerous enemies. Finally, he added, "Insha Allah, he will come to greet you, perhaps to seek your counsel."

"May Allah grant approval and protect him from all evil," Malam said, breaking into a cough.

"Are you unwell?"

"Somewhat. I developed high blood pressure following Jummai's death. Life has changed, but we give thanks."

"Where is Yasmeen?"

Before he could finish his sentence, a beautiful dark-complexioned young woman around 18 years old entered the porch with greetings. She was holding a bucket and wearing a large hijab. Seeing Abba, her heart skipped a beat; she quickly knelt and greeted him respectfully.

"She is fine, Yasmeen. When you go inside, bring some water for your father."

"Okay," she replied and went inside.

Abba watched her until she stepped inside before asking, "I thought you would have married her off by now? Given that around here, girls are married early."

"That's true. She is 17 years old, finished her SSCE, and wants to further her education. What happened was, after her mother fell ill, we traveled to the main hospital in Katsina city..."

(Background summary continues inside the text): Malam Auwal and Bala were full brothers. Their parents passed away long ago. Malam inherited their father's religious knowledge and surpassed him, instilling deep Islamic education in his only daughter, Fatima (Yasmeen). She completed the memorization of the Holy Qur'an, studied Islamic texts, and was named after her grandmother. Yasmeen was brilliant, obedient, and quick to learn, making her famous in her neighborhood for her character and intellect. She was Malam Auwal's only child. Malam had no major trade other than livestock rearing and taught Islamic knowledge for Allah's sake to local pupils (almajirai). When his wife Jummai fell ill with breast cancer, they moved her to Katsina city hospital for treatment...

2. Executive Summary & Narrative Overview

This excerpt introduces a dramatic Hausa narrative centered on Barrister Sadeeq Lamido, an unyielding, high-profile Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) based in Kano.

1. Courtroom Triumph & Imminent Threat: Sadeeq secures a 12-year prison sentence against a powerful figure (Alhaji Lamis). Outside the court, he is confronted and threatened by the convict's vengeful son, Bilal. Sadeeq handles the threat with cold indifference, though his DPO friend, Mohd, anticipates repercussions.
2. Personal Conflicts & Dynamics:
   • Mohd vs. Sadeeq: Mohd criticizes Sadeeq's aloof behavior toward Sarah (Mohd's 18-year-old romantic interest/cousin) and questions Sadeeq's engagement to Suhan.
   • Suhan's Secret: Suhan (28) is obsessed with Sadeeq's wealth and status. Behind his back, she engages in physical affairs short of intercourse with another man named Musty, while maintaining a desperate, manipulative grip on Sadeeq (including a past staged suicide attempt).
   • Family Background: Sadeeq belongs to the wealthy Lamido family. His mother (Dr. Hidayat) is a supportive, accomplished doctor, while his stepmother (Hajiya Binta) and sisters exhibit arrogance and classism.
3. The Rural Parallel (Charanchi): Abba (Sadeeq's father) visits his childhood friend, Malam Auwal, in Charanchi, Katsina State. Malam Auwal is an impoverished, pious Islamic scholar coping with his wife's death and failing health. Here, Yasmeen (17–18)—Malam Auwal's humble, highly educated, and Qur'an-memorizing daughter—is introduced, establishing the narrative contrast between her and Suhan.

3. Character Map

4. Literary Analytics

A. Thematic Structure

• Integrity vs. Corruption: Sadeeq’s refusal to take fraudulent cases versus the criminal empire of Alhaji Lamis/Bilal.
• Modernity vs. Moral Decadence: Highlighted through Suhan’s superficiality, illicit relationship with Musty, and improper dress, contrasted against Sadeeq’s strict boundaries.
• Class & Origin Dynamics: The divide between Sadeeq’s urban luxury in Kano and his father's humble roots in Charanchi, as well as the classist attitudes of Sadeeq’s stepfamily versus his mother's grounded humility.

B. Character Foils

• Suhan vs. Yasmeen: Suhan represents modern decadence, deceit, and emotional manipulation. Yasmeen represents modest Islamic scholarship, humility, and genuine respect—laying the groundwork for a classic romance trope where Sadeeq's views on "young/uneducated" women will be challenged.

5. Commentary & Critical Observations

1. Protagonist Integrity & Flaws: Sadeeq is crafted as an ideal male lead—wealthy, competent, and morally upright. However, his rigidity regarding age/education blinds him to Suhan’s extreme deceit. His decision to stay with Suhan out of pity after her suicide attempt shows a vulnerability that antagonists exploit.
2. Suhan’s Characterization: The reveal that Suhan engages in romantic encounters with "Musty" while maintaining her virginity for legal/marital security creates immediate tension. It sets up an inevitable exposure subplot.
3. Pacing and Setup: The narrative efficiently transitions from courtroom legal drama to domestic conflicts, moving quickly into rural world-building in Katsina to introduce the secondary heroine (Yasmeen).

6. Conclusions

• Immediate Plot Trajectory: Sadeeq faces dual impending threats: physical retaliation from Bilal/Alhaji Lamis's syndicate and emotional/social ruin through his engagement to Suhan.
• Long-term Narrative Arc: The introduction of Yasmeen in Charanchi serves as the foundational setup for Sadeeq's eventual romantic shift. Her piety and intelligence directly challenge Sadeeq's preconception that younger women lack depth.