The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has reportedly been arrested by military intelligence over allegations of helping to finance a failed coup attempt against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to reports by Daily Times Nigeria, Ogbuku — said to be a political ally and nominee of former Bayelsa Governor Timipre Sylva — was detained after allegedly transferring a large sum of money to the ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.
Military investigators are reportedly probing the link between the transaction and a recent NDDC shoreline protection contract valued at over ₦54 billion, for which about ₦20 billion was paid out as mobilization fees. Intelligence sources cited in the report claim this ₦20 billion may have been the same funds “diverted and channeled” toward financing the alleged coup plot.
A source quoted by Daily Times Nigeria stated that,
“The MD transferred a huge sum of money to Sylva. Investigators are working on the theory that the fund transfer was connected to the coup. He is presently answering questions about what the money was meant for.”
The investigation follows earlier reports that 16 military officers were being questioned for allegedly plotting to overthrow the president, according to Sahara Reporters.
Meanwhile, Daily Report NG also confirmed that Ogbuku was taken into custody and is currently under interrogation by intelligence operatives. As of now, no official statement has been issued by the Defence Headquarters or the NDDC regarding the alleged arrest or the claims of coup financing.
