Abu Cikin Duhu Hausa Novel Book 1 – Chapter 1 Narrative
The Return to Nigeria
She stepped down slowly from the aircraft stairs of Nigeria Airways after it landed at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.
Dark sunglasses shaded her eyes, and a face mask covered her nose and mouth. Following closely behind her were two young men who shared a striking family resemblance. She wore an elegant black long gown with a matching veil draped gracefully over her head. On her feet were simple, low-heeled flat shoes, and in her hand, she held a sleek, medium-sized handbag.
A single glance was enough to reveal her status as a woman of immense wealth and influence (Hamshakiya); her noble composure and demeanor spoke volumes.
This was Hajiya Iyami, the widow of Nigeria’s former Ambassador to the United States, who represented the nation from 1986 to 1993.
She closed her eyes briefly before opening them to observe her homeland—a place that now felt almost foreign to her after decades abroad. Despite her prolonged absence, she could still recognize remnants of the life she had left behind years ago.
She felt a quiet astonishment at the country’s apparent lack of economic progress. Yet, despite the nation’s stagnation, her desire to return home, live on her ancestral land, and be surrounded by her family remained unshaken.
“Easy, Hajjajo,” one of the young men behind her said softly, noticing the bewildered look on her face as she surveyed the airport environment.
Ever since her late husband’s diplomatic posting ended, Hajiya Iyami had resided abroad with her family, working for a prominent international corporation. That busy life abroad had kept her mind away from Nigeria for a long time.
Only recently did she decide that it was time to return home among her extended family and old friends. Her primary motivation was the moral upbringing (tarbiya) of her children and growing grandchildren.
Seeing how modern, worldly influences had begun to erode traditional values across the globe, she strongly believed that Hausa cultural ethics provided a firm moral foundation. In Hausa culture, moral discipline and tradition are deeply interwoven with religious values, helping shield the younger generation from moral decay.
Unyielding Matriarchal Authority
Driven by this conviction, Hajiya Iyami made the executive decision to relocate the family permanently to Nigeria without consulting anyone. As the absolute matriarch of the household, her word was law.
When her children and grandchildren first heard of the plan to move to Nigeria, it sparked massive panic and outrage within the family. Accustomed to their comfortable lives overseas, they viewed Nigeria as a place plagued by hardship and backwardness.
Unmoved by their complaints, Hajiya Iyami shut down every objection with stern authority, reminding them that her decision was an order, not a negotiation.
Behind the scenes, Hajiya Iyami had discreetly arranged every detail prior to their arrival. Using her vast financial resources, she paid for extensive home renovations and established local business ventures to ensure a smooth transition. Everything was prepared so her family would not experience any discomfort upon arrival.
Now, as the entire family arrived in Nigeria, the atmosphere among her entourage was tense and somber. They felt bitter about being uprooted from the lifestyle they loved and brought back to a country they considered underdeveloped.
However, no one dared to openly challenge Hajiya Iyami. Male or female, every member of the family respected her authority.
The only exception was her eldest son, whom she treated with a degree of leniency due to his career in China. After completing his higher education, he had settled in China, working with major technology and manufacturing firms.
Hajiya Iyami trusted his faith and character implicitly, knowing he strictly adhered to the religious and moral values she had instilled in him. Because of his expertise in computer engineering and modern technologies, he was responsible for managing the family’s extensive technological and financial operations.
The Arrival in Kaduna & Family Reunion
A line of luxury motor vehicles was waiting outside the airport terminal to pick them up, all purchased and registered under individual family members’ names.
Hajiya Iyami’s face brightened as she greeted the crowd of relatives and in-laws who had come to the airport to welcome them. Warm greetings were exchanged hastily as family members vied to show honor and hospitality to the prestigious matriarch.
Once inside the air-conditioned vehicle, Hajiya Iyami finally relaxed. She closed her eyes, her mind drifting to her late husband, Alhaji Ma’azu (the former Ambassador).
He was the foundation of their current status and wealth, leaving behind a legacy that had blessed their children and extended family. Though nearly ten years had passed since his death, the family had remained abroad due to their respective careers.
The journey from Kano to Kaduna was relatively short. While her children grumbled in the back seats about the road distance, Hajiya Iyami paid no mind to their complaints.
Upon arriving at their compound in Kaduna, they were met by a large gathering of extended family members who had filled the house to celebrate their safe return. Food and drinks were served abundantly as relatives caught up on lost time.
Hajiya Iyami’s biological children were predominantly sons, along with her youngest daughter and her daughter-in-law. Notably, Hajiya Iyami had refused to let her son marry a foreign woman abroad; instead, she had selected a well-mannered girl from their family back home. Her daughter-in-law lived harmoniously with the family overseas due to her respectful relationship with her mother-in-law.
The Household Dynamics: Four Young Women
Following their relocation, four young women were brought together to reside under Hajiya Iyami’s direct care in the Kaduna compound:
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Hajiya Iyami’s Youngest Daughter: The youngest child in the family, raised in luxury.
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Salma: The daughter of her late husband’s younger brother. Salma manages the daily affairs of the household and commands deep respect within the family, acting with the obedience and maturity expected of a leader.
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Rufaida: The daughter of her late husband’s youngest sister (who resides in Jos). Rufaida initially came for a short holiday after Hajiya’s return, but decided to stay permanently to enjoy the luxurious lifestyle in the compound.
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Jamila: The daughter of Hajiya Iyami’s own youngest sibling. Hajiya personally brought Jamila into her home to relieve her sibling of financial burdens and to provide companionship for herself, treating Jamila like her own biological child.
Hajiya Iyami maintained close supervision over everyone in the compound. She ensured that all four young women received top-tier education and lacked nothing, actively eliminating any cause for dissatisfaction so they would remain disciplined, united, and focused on their future.
Character Overview: Abu Cikin Duhu Book 1
| Character | Role / Description |
| Hajiya Iyami | The wealthy, authoritative matriarch; widow of the former US Ambassador Alhaji Ma’azu; decides to relocate the family to Nigeria. |
| Alhaji Ma’azu (Late) | Former Ambassador to the US (1986–1993); the foundation of the family’s immense wealth and status. |
| Eldest Son | Resides in China working in tech/engineering; trusted deeply by Hajiya Iyami to manage family assets. |
| Salma | Daughter of the late Ambassador’s younger brother; responsible and manages daily household affairs. |
| Rufaida | Daughter of the late Ambassador’s youngest sister in Jos; stays at the Kaduna compound for the comfortable lifestyle. |
| Jamila | Daughter of Hajiya Iyami’s youngest sibling; raised like a biological daughter by Hajiya Iyami to ease her family’s burden. |
Major Themes in Abu Cikin Duhu Book 1
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Matriarchal Power & Family Authority: Hajiya Iyami exercises total control over her household, showcasing the influence of a strong matriarch in high-society Hausa families.
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Cultural Preservation vs. Modernization: The story highlights the conflict between Western exposure and traditional Hausa moral values (tarbiya).
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Wealth, Privilege, and Social Status: The narrative explores the inner workings, luxuries, and hidden complexities of elite political families in Northern Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does “Abu Cikin Duhu” mean in English?
“Abu Cikin Duhu” translates literally to “Something in the Dark” or “A Secret in the Shadows”, hinting at hidden mysteries and dark secrets within the family dynamic.
Who is Hajiya Iyami in Abu Cikin Duhu?
Hajiya Iyami is the central protagonist and matriarch of the story. She is the widow of a former Nigerian Ambassador to the USA who moves her entire family back to Nigeria to preserve their cultural and religious values.
Where does the story take place?
The opening chapter begins at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano State and transitions to the family’s mansion in Kaduna State, Nigeria.