EFCC, NFIU JOIN MILITARY TO TRACE ALLEGED COUP FUNDING NETWORK

By Ademola Adekusibe
October 31, 2025.

Fresh details have emerged on the ongoing investigation into the alleged coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu, as military investigators team up with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to track the financial flows of those suspected of bankrolling the plot.

Findings by The Yoruba Times indicate that the accounts of some suspects may have been frozen as part of standard investigative procedure. While officials declined to speak on the matter, multiple security sources confirmed that both the EFCC and NFIU are carrying out detailed forensic analyses of the suspects’ financial transactions, including deposits, withdrawals, and transfers, to trace suspicious movement of funds and identify their true sources.

The scope of the probe has reportedly been widened to include associates and business partners of the key suspects, following the discovery of an alleged N45 billion transfer from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) believed to be connected to the plot.

Earlier reports by Sahara Reporters claimed that 16 army officers were arrested for allegedly planning to overthrow President Tinubu, linking the plot to the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebration.

However, the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, dismissed the claims, insisting the arrests were unrelated to any coup attempt.

As investigations intensified, security operatives stormed the Abuja residence of former Bayelsa State governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, arresting his younger brother and driver. Sylva, who was reportedly out of the country, has denied any involvement and accused political adversaries of plotting to frame him.

Military sources disclosed that investigators are depending on the EFCC and NFIU to trace the money trail and establish the financial structure behind the alleged plot. Both anti-graft agencies have remained silent, refusing to make official comments until the investigation concludes.

The names and ranks of the 16 detained officers have since surfaced. They include a Brigadier General, a Colonel, four Lieutenant Colonels, five Majors, two Captains, one Lieutenant, a Naval Lieutenant Commander, and an Air Force Squadron Leader.

They were reportedly led by Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq. Others are 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. Cmdr. D.B. Abdullahi, and Sqn. Ldr. S.B. Adamu.

Further reports by The Cable alleged that Sqn. Ldr. Adamu, recently posted to the Office of the National Security Adviser through the National Counter Terrorism Centre, was assigned to eliminate NSA Nuhu Ribadu.

Investigators are said to be probing whether the suspicious posting, which came after a specific officer’s deployment request was earlier rejected, indicates a deeper infiltration of the military hierarchy.