When We Stayed Silent
SYNOPSIS
When We Stayed Silent is a literary suspense novel set against the backdrop of the economic hardship and political tension of the Tinubu administration.
It follows Josephine Edolor, a compassionate teacher who begins working at Safe Haven Orphanage with the hope of making a positive impact on vulnerable children. However, her idealistic view is shattered when she uncovers the dark reality behind the orphanage, which is a front for a child trafficking operation run by the politically ambitious and savvy Mrs. Abigail Hassan, who is desperate to make history as the first female council chairwoman. Along with her son Steven and a network of accomplices, Mrs. Abigail sells babies for profit and uses donations to the orphanage to fund her political campaign for the Council Chairmanship.
As Josephine becomes emotionally attached to three babies—Innocent, Lazarus, and Sophia—she is disturbed by their sudden disappearances. Despite raising alarms, her concerns are ignored, and the culture of oppression and fear within the orphanage grows. Undeterred, Josephine allies with George, a rebellious resident of the orphanage, and together they attempt to expose the truth. However, their efforts lead to severe retaliation, with George being humiliated and sent out of the orphanage, and Josephine facing escalating threats.
A pivotal moment in the story occurs when Lilian, a self-conscious teenage pupil whom Josephine has been mentoring, suddenly becomes pregnant. In a shocking turn, Lilian is taken out of the orphanage, and her whereabouts remain unaccounted for. This mysterious disappearance deepens Josephine's suspicions about the orphanage’s sinister activities and becomes a key turning point in her quest to uncover the truth. The event not only shakes Josephine to her core but also fuels her determination to expose the corruption at Safe Haven Orphanage.
Determined to seek justice, Josephine reports the situation to the police, but her efforts are met with indifference and a nonchalant attitude from the authorities. Undeterred, she later joins forces with Inspector Kajola, a man whose career was ruined by Mrs. Abigail Hassan years earlier. Along with investigative journalist Jibowu Taylor, they launch an undercover investigation to expose the full extent of the trafficking network. Their covert operation results in a viral exposé, sparking public outrage and increasing scrutiny on Mrs. Abigail. However, the investigation puts Josephine in grave danger, as the traffickers resort to violence and intimidation in an attempt to protect their criminal enterprise.
Josephine is eventually kidnapped by Mrs. Abigail's accomplices, who hold her hostage to force Kajola and NAPTIP to withdraw the pending court case. In a thrilling rescue, the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) frees Josephine, and Mrs. Abigail is arrested while attempting to flee the country. The trial that follows is a media spectacle, with evidence from the undercover report and testimonies from victims and witnesses sealing Mrs. Abigail's conviction for multiple crimes. Despite a partial victory, the acquittal of certain key staff leaves a sense of unfinished justice.
In the aftermath, Safe Haven Orphanage is shut down, and its assets are liquidated to provide compensation for the victims. Josephine, reflecting on the pain and progress, finds hope in the rescue of the missing children and the recognition of those who stood by her. The novel ends with Josephine returning to the orphanage’s ruins, where a simple stuffed doll symbolizes both the innocence lost and the future she helped restore.
When We Stayed Silent is a poignant exploration of justice, innocence, resilience, and the fight against corruption. It is a tale of one woman’s courage to expose a corrupt system, shining a light on the power of truth and the enduring human spirit.