Military investigators probing the alleged coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu’s administration are now working hand‑in‑hand, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to untangle the webs of those suspected of bankrolling the foiled plot.
Reliable security sources have confirmed that the joint investigation is working to follow the money trail and pinpoint those who might have funded or assisted the Plot.
This newspaper learnt that Investigators have launched a forensic audit into the banking records of both military personnel and civilians alleged to be involved in the plot. Sources say EFCC and NFIU teams are combing through every deposit, withdrawal, transfer and transaction history.
While both agencies have not officially confirmed freezing the suspects’ accounts senior intelligence officers describe the step, as “a precautionary measure” in national‑security investigations.
The investigation is reportedly being broadened to pull in business partners and associates linked to the officers and civilians currently detained.
The latest phase of the inquiry follows reports that ₦45 billion was allegedly moved from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to accounts linked to some of the alleged conspirators. Authorities are now reviewing the transactions to determine whether the funds were part of a broader network supporting the plot.
Meanwhile, earlier reports by Sahara Reporters had claimed that 16 Nigerian Army officers were arrested in connection with the alleged coup plot. The publication linked the incident to the Federal Government’s decision to cancel the country’s 65th Independence Day celebrations.
The probe took a surprising turn when security agents raided the Abuja home of former Bayelsa State governor and ex‑Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva. According to reports they seized his brother, Paga along with a driver.
Chief Julius Bokoru, Sylva’s media aide confirmed that the raid had indeed taken place noting that Sylva’s principal and his wife were abroad, at the time. He flatly rejected any suggestion that Sylva was tied to a coup arguing that political opponents were trying to frame him.
Despite mounting public interest, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has not officially acknowledged that a coup attempt was uncovered. Its Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, described the detention of the officers as part of a “routine internal process” aimed at maintaining discipline and professionalism within the Armed Forces.