The ongoing military investigation into the alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration has reportedly taken a dramatic turn, as security operatives uncover an extensive and suspicious trail involving the movement of more than ₦45 billion. The funds, allegedly traced from the bank accounts of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), were reportedly linked to politically exposed individuals and some military officers currently detained in connection with the supposed conspiracy.
This financial discovery has deepened anxiety and raised significant alarm within the political and security circles, especially as questions mount over whether the huge transfers were intended to support covert activities aimed at undermining the government. Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters has continued to dismiss all circulating narratives about an attempted coup, branding such claims as baseless, sensational, and deliberately spread to incite fear. Military authorities insist that the detained personnel are being held strictly over allegations of professional breach and misconduct—not treason.
Alleged Coup Plot and Official Denials
Speculations of a brewing coup escalated following the Federal Government’s sudden cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebration, fueling public suspicion and political conversation nationwide. Reports also surfaced alleging that operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) stormed the Abuja residence of former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, reportedly searching for documents and communication records connected to the case.
Responding to growing rumours, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, noted that 16 military officers were currently being detained—but emphasized that their detention was unrelated to a coup attempt. Instead, he described the matter as an internal disciplinary investigation into questionable conduct.
NDDC Officials Questioned Over ₦45bn Transactions
Soon after the suspected financial trail was detected, top executives of the NDDC were invited for interrogation to provide clarity on the suspicious movement of funds. One major transaction under intense scrutiny reportedly involves a ₦45 billion shoreline protection contract awarded during a previous administration to a former South-South governor. Intelligence sources claim that substantial portions of the payment eventually circulated into accounts tied to some of the detained officers.
According to security insiders, the investigation forms “part of a wider intelligence-driven operation to track unusual public fund transfers.” The situation has triggered noticeable tension inside NDDC headquarters, causing senior directors and commissioners to operate discreetly and avoid public exposure while the probe continues.
A source within the commission revealed:
“Ever since news emerged regarding the questioning of high-level management, the environment here has been tense. Many senior staff members are monitoring their communications closely and limiting physical movements due to fear of being implicated or picked up for questioning.”
It was also gathered that several executive directors who maintain close ties to the individuals already under scrutiny are now increasingly worried that the investigation may broaden, potentially drawing more senior figures into the scandal. Attempts to obtain an official response from the NDDC media office were unsuccessful, as spokesperson Seledi Thompson-Wakama declined to issue any comment pending further directives.
While the Federal Government continues to assure Nigerians that no coup threat exists against President Tinubu’s administration, the emergence of the ₦45 billion fund trail has added a new and serious layer to the unfolding situation. The development raises troubling questions surrounding the possible misuse of public funds, political motivations within government circles, and the broader implications for national security, governance transparency, and stability in Nigeria.