Military Probes ₦45bn NDDC Transactions Linked to Alleged Coup Plot

A military investigation into the alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration has reportedly uncovered financial transactions amounting to ₦45 billion traced to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The funds were allegedly linked to politically exposed persons and some soldiers detained in connection with the purported conspiracy.

Earlier in October, Sahara Reporters had claimed that 16 Army officers were arrested over a plan to overthrow the government, linking the alleged plot to the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebration. The military, however, dismissed the claim, describing it as “false and malicious.” The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, clarified that the detained officers were being investigated for professional misconduct, not treason.

Recent reports indicated that operatives from the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) raided the Abuja home of former Bayelsa State governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, as part of the ongoing probe. Following this, DIA investigators reportedly questioned top NDDC officials over the movement of funds and their alleged link to subversive activities. Sources within the commission confirmed growing anxiety among senior officials as investigators scrutinise large financial transactions tied to several high-profile contracts, including a ₦45 billion shoreline protection project allegedly awarded to a former South-South governor.

Security sources said the questioning of NDDC executives was part of a broader inquiry into the movement of public funds. Staff within the commission expressed fear that the investigation could widen to expose deeper financial irregularities. The NDDC spokesperson, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, declined to comment on the matter.

Chief Sylva, through his media aide, Julius Bokoru, denied any involvement in the alleged coup or the DIA raid’s link to political subversion. Bokoru said the reports were fabrications by “desperate and self-seeking politicians” targeting the 2027 governorship race. He confirmed that Sylva and his wife were abroad at the time of the operation, with the former governor undergoing medical checks in the United Kingdom and scheduled to attend a professional conference in Malaysia.

Bokoru also confirmed that Sylva’s younger brother, Paga, and his driver were arrested during the raid and remained in custody. While no items were taken, parts of the residence were reportedly damaged. A close associate of Sylva described the raid as destructive but said nothing incriminating was found.

Sylva’s former chief of staff and current NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, also denied being arrested or connected to any plot, saying he learned of the allegations only through social media.

In a statement titled “Setting the record straight on recent false reports about Sylva,” Bokoru reaffirmed that Sylva had no connection with any coup plans and described him as a “thoroughbred democrat” with a history of supporting President Tinubu. He said the allegations were the work of political rivals threatened by Sylva’s influence ahead of 2027.

The Defence Headquarters has reiterated that no coup attempt has been uncovered, insisting that the ongoing probe is strictly focused on issues of military discipline and financial impropriety.