EFCC and NFIU Track Financial Flows Linked to Alleged Coup Plot

Security agencies have intensified investigations into the alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s government, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) now tracing money movements linked to those accused of funding the plan.

Sources revealed that the two agencies are conducting a forensic audit of bank accounts belonging to both military officers and civilians suspected of being involved. The analysis reportedly covers deposits, withdrawals, transfers, and the origin of funds to uncover possible sponsors and hidden networks behind the plot.

Investigators are also said to be reviewing the financial activities of the suspects’ business associates and close contacts. Unconfirmed reports suggest that some of the suspects’ bank accounts may have been frozen as part of the probe. A senior security source described this as a normal procedure in sensitive investigations of this kind.

The latest phase of the inquiry follows reports of a suspicious N45 billion transfer from the Niger Delta Development Commission allegedly linked to those funding the failed plot.

Sahara Reporters had earlier disclosed that 16 Nigerian Army officers were arrested over an alleged plan to overthrow the government. The development reportedly followed the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebration.

However, the Defence Headquarters denied that the arrests were connected to a coup attempt. Despite this, security agents raided the Abuja home of former Bayelsa governor Timipre Sylva, arresting his brother, Paga, and his driver while Sylva and his wife were said to be abroad. His spokesman later confirmed the raid but denied Sylva’s involvement, describing the incident as a political setup.

Military insiders told reporters that the EFCC and NFIU are playing key roles in tracing the alleged funding channels, while other intelligence units continue to gather evidence from communication and operational links among the suspects.

Meanwhile, the names and ranks of the 16 detained officers have surfaced. The list includes Brig. Gen. Musa Abubakar Sadiq, Col. M.A. Ma’aji, Lt. Col. S. Bappah, Lt. Col. A.A. Hayatu, Lt. Col. P. Dangnap, Lt. Col. M. Almakura, Maj. A.J. Ibrahim, Maj. M.M. Jiddah, Maj. M.A. Usman, Maj. D. Yusuf, Maj. I. Dauda, Capt. Ibrahim Bello, Capt. A.A. Yusuf, Lt. S.S. Felix, Lt. Commander D.B. Abdullahi, and Squadron Leader S.B. Adamu.

Most of the army officers belong to the Infantry Corps, while others serve in the Signals and Ordnance Corps. The inclusion of personnel from various branches has raised concerns over how deep the network may run within the military.

Fresh reports indicate that Squadron Leader S.B. Adamu, recently assigned to the National Counter Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser, was allegedly detailed to assassinate the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Investigators are now probing how Adamu, who hails from Jigawa State and is a member of the Nigerian Defence Academy Regular Course 59, was posted to the centre just weeks before the plot was uncovered. The development has heightened suspicion that the coup network might have penetrated the military command structure.

The EFCC and NFIU have yet to issue official statements, but sources within the security community said the investigation is ongoing and will continue until the financial and operational roots of the alleged plot are fully exposed.