This would have been another ISIS story but...

The story began that in the late hours of one October evening, two journalists had approached a semi-detached building. The building was situated in a popular part of Abuja (for security reasons the exact location is withheld). The young men each carried a briefcase containing important documents and gadgets. They were upcoming rookies who were cutting their teeth in journalism. One was a little older than the other and was also longer on the job. But what they lacked in experience they had in talent. They showed great promise and were already on track for accelerated promotion at work. It was due to their tenacity and ability to meet deadlines that they were sent on this mission to the building, which should be called House Duke. The occupant was an independent journalist, experienced in the field and boasted of having the direct lines to all the public figures who mattered in the country. She was called Leniana Mbeagwu. She was in her youth but commandeered much respect among her peers and colleagues. This would be the journalists' first visit to House Duke even though they were quite acquainted with Ms. Mbeagwu.

A knock on the door was followed by a housekeeper's amiable presence. She asked to know their identity and retraced her steps to announce their presence. The younger journalist frowned.

'This is unnecessary protocol.' He said under his breath. 'We were already identified at the gate."

'Yes,' replied his mate. 'This place needs maximum security. She's doing her job too.' He was referring to the housekeeper.

In a few minutes, the young men were ushered into Leniana's massive living room. She was seated in front of her television and tried not to be interested in the people standing in the room. One of the men coughed and she raised an eyebrow.

'I know you. You work with Destiny Movies, right?' Ms. Mbeagwu tried to size them both up behind her long lashes. 'And you, who are you?'

'My name is Festus. I'm a journalist with Destiny Movies too. We, Daniel and I, cover the news bits of our feature films. We were asked to come to you to sell an idea to you. In fact, I have all the...'

'Not yet, Festus.' The older journalist cut in. 'We need Ms. Mbeagwu to give us her attention or another appointment.'

Leniana felt chided but gave in to hospitality. She ushered them into two seats beside her chair. Presently, they began their discussion. The journalists were in possession of important documents that would enhance Ms. Mbeagwu's credibility as an independent journalist. They had wanted to sell the files to her for $1.5 million. The hostess acted like she was not interested until she saw the glimpses of what appeared to be the first details of a recent failed terrorist attack on the federal capital. Festus promised that more of such information would be revealed if she was willing to play ball. She feigned disinterest and the journalists decided to leave.

'But this is no news. Sunshine TV already broadcast this yesterday. I'll only be playing with refurbished information.' Leniana flipped her TV channel to catch CNN.

'It's not on CNN. Trust us.' Daniel was beginning to get impatient like Festus. 'We shouldn't be here but we chose you of all other possible contacts because you are a well known journalist. Our E-in-C wants us to keep the news to a minimal contact list and only shoot after the headlines are out.'

'What makes you think that it's worth $1.5 million? I'll pay only $750k, that's the much I can afford. Leave the documents here and return tomorrow for your money. I need to return to watching the news. Good evening, gentlemen.'

The journalists returned the next day to collect the money as were met by an angry guard who informed them that Ms. Mbeagwu had called them a fraud and 419 racketeers who would smell the rod only in a few days. They were given the beating of their lives and ran for dear life. Some days later, Festus hatched a plan to retaliate on Leniana who used their stories and documents and was recently appointed a special adviser on media affairs to a business tycoon who sought to improve his public image. Leniana wanted fresh news for this appointment and Festus knew how to hunt down the news. This was better than being appointed by a politician. This appointment annoyed Daniel more than Festus because the E-in-C had given him (Daniel) a query for loss of the lead story and money it would have generated for Destiny Movies.

However, many days later, Ms Mbeagwu called Daniel to apologize to him and invite him to her club, The Tocknet Hill Club. The journalists paid to gain entrance to the club and were peeved. They didn't have a lot of money and Daniel was saving for a car (even a jalopy would do rather than trekking in the hot sun). Festus wanted to return to school for a master's degree. So, money was hard to save. Leniana arrived and apologized for not seeing any substance in the documents she had received from them in their last visit to House Duke. She promised to take them to Aso Villa if they would give her some important information for other broadcasting houses. Festus wasn't keen on helping but Leniana promised to give him credit on her website, which would increase his credibility and pave way for a promotion.

Her oratory annoyed Daniel who was used to Leniana's lies. He reprimanded her for the beating that they received from her security personnel. Leniana apologized to them again. (Story to be continued soon....)