Anxiety in NDDC as Defence Intelligence Probes N45bn Transfer Tied to Alleged Coup

Background of the Alleged Coup

Earlier this month, Sahara Reporters claimed that 16 Nigerian Army officers were detained for allegedly plotting a coup linked to the Federal Government’s cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebrations.

However, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), through its spokesperson Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, denied the report, clarifying that the officers were being held for professional misconduct, not treason.

Despite the denial, multiple sources indicated that the military’s financial investigation uncovered large-scale disbursements from NDDC accounts, allegedly connected to some of the detained officers.

Focus on NDDC Transactions

According to top security sources, the DIA has questioned several senior NDDC officials regarding the origin, purpose, and beneficiaries of the suspicious funds.

One of the projects under scrutiny is a shoreline protection contract valued at ₦45 billion, reportedly awarded to a former South-South governor, with parts of the funds allegedly finding their way into the accounts of certain military personnel.

The revelations have triggered panic within the NDDC, with insiders confirming that several top executives were recently invited for questioning.

A senior official who spoke anonymously said:

“Since news broke about the interrogation of top officials, the atmosphere here has been tense. Many directors are limiting their movements and avoiding phone conversations.”

Raid on Timipre Sylva’s Residence

As part of the ongoing investigation, Nigerian Army personnel reportedly raided the Abuja residence of former Bayelsa Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, last weekend.

During the operation, Sylva’s younger brother, Paga, who serves as his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs, and his driver were both arrested.

Sylva, who was abroad at the time, denied any involvement in the alleged coup or the funding controversy.

In a statement by his media aide, Chief Julius Bokoru, Sylva described the allegations as “the handiwork of desperate politicians pursuing 2027 ambitions.”

“Chief Sylva has no involvement whatsoever—either in planning or in logistics—with any such plot,” Bokoru said, stressing that his principal was undergoing routine medical checks in the UK and scheduled to attend a professional conference in Malaysia.

Bokoru added that although parts of Sylva’s home were damaged during the raid, no incriminating materials were found.

Government, NDDC Denials

Both the Federal Government and the Defence Headquarters have debunked claims of any coup plot, describing circulating reports as “false, misleading, and malicious.”

When contacted, NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, denied being arrested or questioned.

“I’m not aware of such. Just the way you are seeing it is the same way I’m seeing it too on social media,” he said in a text message.

The NDDC spokesperson, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, also declined to comment on the development.

Wider Implications

Security analysts say the probe could expand into a broader audit of the NDDC’s financial records, which have long been dogged by allegations of mismanagement and political interference.

Investigators are expected to present preliminary findings to the National Security Adviser’s office in the coming weeks, focusing on unexplained transfers and links to serving or retired officers.