09/01/2026
*🗞️ Chronicle of Absurdities — Weekly Brief (Jan 9, 2026)*
_Highlighting insecurity, corruption, unemployment and national decay in Nigeria_
By Faruk Ahmed
1️⃣ *Alleged FIRS–NNPCL Cash Laundering Scandal*
A Federal High Court has ordered the interim forfeiture of $30.7 million traced to a Bureau de Change operator allegedly linked to a serving FIRS official. Investigators say the funds originated from NNPCL proceeds and were moved through informal forex channels instead of the banking system.
The case has reignited concerns about how public revenue is siphoned quietly through cash-based systems, raising questions about internal controls in Nigeria’s most critical revenue-generating institutions.
2️⃣ *Auchi Kidnapping: One Brother Found Dead*
One of two brothers abducted in Auchi, Edo State, has been confirmed dead after days in captivity. The surviving brother’s fate remains uncertain, as fear and grief grip the community.
The killing underscores the growing brutality of kidnappers, who increasingly kill victims even while ransom negotiations are ongoing, deepening public anger and trauma.
3️⃣ *Kwara kidnappers demand ₦450m for traditional ruler*
Kidnappers have demanded ₦450 million to release a traditional ruler, his son, and others abducted in Kwara State. The abduction has paralysed local communities and disrupted social and economic life.
The case highlights how ransom demands are escalating, with criminal gangs now treating kidnapping as a structured, high-value business.
4️⃣ *Petrol Workers Protest Unmanned Fuel Stations*
Petrol station workers have opposed AA Rano’s unmanned fuel stations, warning that automation could lead to mass job losses across the downstream sector.
While companies argue efficiency and safety, workers fear rising unemployment in an already strained economy, fuelling wider social instability.
5️⃣ *Court Orders Malami to Forfeit ₦213.2bn Assets*
A court has ordered the forfeiture of ₦213.2 billion worth of properties allegedly linked to former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami. The assets span multiple states and include luxury properties.
The ruling adds to mounting evidence of large-scale corruption at the highest levels of government, reinforcing public distrust in leadership.
6️⃣ *“One-Chance” Robbers Kill Lawyer and Nurse in Abuja*
Public outrage followed the killing of a lawyer and a nurse by “one-chance” robbers in Abuja. The victims were attacked while commuting, a routine risk many residents now face daily.
The incident highlights the collapse of urban safety and the normalisation of violent crime even in the nation’s capital.
7️⃣ *Auchi Ransom Handler Released Despite Arrest — Allegation*
Anti-kidnapping volunteer Harrison Gwamnishu revealed that a family member who delivered ransom money—and was arrested with weapons—was later released on orders, while others were jailed.
The allegation raises disturbing questions about compromised law enforcement and selective justice, which embolden criminal networks.
*🧠 Personal Observation*
Edo youths were once deep into yahoo-yahoo fraud. Many have now “graduated” into kidnapping for ransom. This is a dangerous escalation. Much more must be done to rescue the nation.
*📣 CALL TO ACTION*
Nigeria’s crises are interconnected: corruption funds insecurity, insecurity feeds unemployment, and unemployment fuels crime.
👉 Sign and share the * petition* to end secret security spending that fuels this evil cycle:
https://www.change.org/p/stop-secret-security-spending-that-fuels-banditry-kidnapping-passtheproactivebill
Silence is no longer an option.
End secret security votes: Pass the PROACTIVE Bill for a transparent Nigeria