In Chapter 8 of “The Life Changer,” the gripping JAMB novel for 2023, we delve into the intriguing life of Mohammed Kabir, a Laboratory Technologist at the university.
This chapter takes us on a journey filled with suspense, illegal dealings, and the consequences of one’s actions.
Let’s explore the key events that unfold and the impact they have on the characters.
- Mohammed Kabir’s Occupation: Mohammed Kabir is a Laboratory Technologist working at the university. He plays a significant role in this chapter, where his life takes an unexpected turn.
- The Nickname “Doctor”: Kabir earns the nickname “Doctor” from his Head of Department (HOD), despite not being qualified for it. This shows the respect and admiration he receives from his colleagues.
- Kabir’s Addiction: Unfortunately, Kabir falls into the trap of gambling and becomes addicted to it. His fondness for playing cards leads him down a dangerous path.
- Zaki’s Relationship with Honorable Habib: Zaki serves as a henchman for Honorable Habib, involving himself in various criminal activities and dirty deals on Habib’s behalf.
- Zaki’s Occupation: Apart from his shady dealings, Zaki is also involved in the business of selling and importing spare parts.
- Previous Illegal Deal: Habib and Zaki had previously orchestrated the kidnapping of a businessman’s son. However, their plan fails, and Zaki, along with another person named Talle, is arrested.
- Bailing Zaki and Talle: To secure Zaki and Talle’s release from police custody, Habib pays a bribe of two hundred and fifty thousand naira.
- Talle’s Situation: Talle, after being released, is blackmailed by the police, preventing him from returning to his village or contacting anyone he knows from there. This restriction hangs over him due to the kidnapping case.
- Hunting Down Kabir: Seeking retribution for Kabir’s deceitful actions towards Salma, Habib and Labaran enlist Zaki’s help to track down Kabir and retrieve Salma’s money.
- Kabir’s Location: Zaki eventually discovers Kabir’s whereabouts at a gambling joint.
- Kabir’s Winnings: At the gambling joint, Kabir wins a substantial amount of money, totaling three hundred thousand naira.
- The Leader, Kartagi: The gambling group is led by a formidable and ruthless individual known as Kartagi.
- The Thug’s Attack: Enraged by Kabir’s refusal to continue gambling after his winnings, Kartagi sends his thug, Gumuzu, to attack Kabir.
- The Attacker’s Identity: Gumuzu is the name of the thug dispatched by Kartagi to assault Kabir.
- Zaki’s Intervention: When Zaki encounters Gumuzu and Kabir, he takes matters into his own hands, beating both of them and seizing Kabir’s winnings.
- Zaki’s Theft: Zaki steals the entire sum of three hundred thousand naira from Kabir, later delivering the money to Labaran.
- Labaran’s Payment: Labaran, however, only gives Zaki a portion of the stolen money, amounting to fifty thousand naira.
- Labaran’s Motive: Labaran decides to keep the rest of the money for himself, refusing to return it to Habib. One significant reason for his decision is the suspicion that Habib had slept with his lover, Salma, to provide her with the initial sum.
- Salma’s Transformation: Salma, who had been involved in dubious activities, experiences a change of heart following her father’s demise. She resolves to become more responsible and leave her past behind.
- Salim: Salim is Salma’s fiancé, who likely plays a vital role in her transformation and serves as a positive influence on her journey.
Conclusion
Chapter 8 of “The Life Changer” presents us with a series of unexpected events and complex relationships.
Mohammed Kabir’s downfall due to his gambling addiction, Zaki’s involvement in illegal dealings, and Labaran’s refusal to return stolen money all contribute to the overall suspense and excitement of the novel.
Additionally, Salma’s transformation adds depth to the story, leaving readers eagerly anticipating what lies ahead for the characters in the subsequent chapters.
