THE THEME OF BLACKMAIL
Ordinarily, Musa wouldn't have contemplated poisoning Chief Gbanya and abducting and killing Jeheba, but he succumbs due to Lamboi's blackmail He reminds Musa of his other secret deeds that are not in the open. If he wants them to remain hidden, he has to cooperate.
Musa: Lamboi, are you deaf?...
Lamboi: Ngo Musa, if you have never killed a man, here, swear:..
Musa: Why should I swear to Poro?
Lamboi: Ngo Musa, our elders say, only the guilty are afraid. If you know your hands are clean, I dare you to swear.
Musa: My hands are clean, I wash them every day in the river.
Lamboi: Yes indeed, in the river of blood, rich and hot human blood... The blood of Yattah's son and Mama Kadi's daughter. Those you slaughtered and whose fat you used for your bofima. You want me to name what charms you made with their private parts? Or do you want me to lead Gbanya who you want to protect to their shallow graves out there in the bush?
Lamboi! Ndake, what are you getting angry for? I was just trying to make sure you
are serious. You know I will do anything you say. After all, we are both working for
the good of the chiefdom (pp. 92-93).
Musa: From this point on, both men become partners in crime with reckless abandon.