Military investigators have teamed up with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to trace suspicious financial transactions linked to the alleged October 1 coup attempt.
Top security sources told The Punch that the agencies are carrying out a forensic probe into the accounts of both military and civilian suspects accused of funding the plot to overthrow the Tinubu administration.
As part of the investigation, several bank accounts are believed to have been frozen, though officials declined to confirm the move. “This is standard procedure in cases of this nature,” one security official noted.
The probe reportedly took a new turn after investigators uncovered an alleged transfer of ₦45 billion from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to individuals implicated in the conspiracy. The EFCC and NFIU are analysing deposits, withdrawals and transfers to identify suspicious activity and the ultimate beneficiaries of the funds.
The investigation has since widened to include business associates and partners of the key suspects. It also follows the detention of 16 military officers — including a brigadier general, colonel, four lieutenant colonels, five majors, two captains and a lieutenant — accused of plotting to topple the government.
Security operatives have also raided the Abuja residence of former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, seizing his brother and driver. Sylva, who was abroad at the time, has denied any involvement, describing the raid as a politically motivated attempt to frame him.
According to Premium Times, 12 of the detained army officers belong to the Infantry Corps, while others serve in the Signals and Ordnance Corps. They were reportedly led by Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq.
Meanwhile, The Cable reported that one of the accused, Squadron Leader S.B. Adamu, was recently posted to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and allegedly tasked with assassinating NSA Nuhu Ribadu. Sources say Adamu’s deployment to the National Counter Terrorism Centre under ONSA — instead of the officer originally requested — has raised concerns that the coup plotters might have infiltrated the military hierarchy.
Neither the EFCC nor the NFIU has commented publicly on the ongoing investigation.
