Fresh Details Emerge In Alleged Attempt To Topple Tinubu Administration

Military investigators looking into the alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration have reportedly uncovered ₦45 billion allegedly diverted from the accounts of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to politically exposed persons and some of the detained soldiers.

Sources told Punch that the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) is interrogating top NDDC executives about the origin, beneficiaries, and use of the funds, creating tension within the agency.

Earlier this month, Sahara Reporters claimed that 16 Nigerian Army officers were being detained for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government, linking the plot to the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day parade. However, the Defence Headquarters quickly refuted the claims, stating the officers were held for professional misconduct, not coup-related activity.

Despite the denial, multiple reports on Tuesday indicated that Army operatives raided the Abuja residence of former Bayelsa State governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, as part of the ongoing probe.

Investigators are said to be examining high-value transactions connected to politically influential individuals, including a shoreline project in the South-South region valued at ₦45 billion. Part of the funds reportedly ended up in the accounts of some detained officers.

A senior security source told Punch that the questioning of NDDC officials is “part of a broader intelligence-based inquiry into the movement of public funds.”

Unease at NDDC Headquarters
The investigation has sparked concern at NDDC headquarters. Insiders said senior executives are anxious about the possibility of the probe widening.

“Ever since news broke about the top officials being interrogated, the atmosphere here has been tense. Many directors are being careful about their movements and communications,” an insider revealed.

Executive directors closely connected to the officials under scrutiny are particularly worried, and staff members fear the probe may implicate more senior figures.

When contacted by Punch, NDDC spokesperson Seledi Thompson-Wakama declined to comment on the interrogation of the commission’s executives.