If the investigation files are accurate, the alleged plan to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government did not begin with gunfire.
Investigators say it began with bank alerts.
Millions of naira allegedly moved quietly from one account to another.
Names were forwarded.
Instructions were delivered through WhatsApp voice notes.
Money allegedly reached soldiers, businessmen, clerics and companies before anyone outside the network realised something unusual was unfolding.
Then, almost as suddenly as it began, everything reportedly fell apart.
The arrest of one man—Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji—would later become the turning point investigators say collapsed what has been described as one of the most ambitious alleged coup plots in Nigeria’s recent history.
Today, those allegations remain before the courts.
No court has convicted the accused persons, and several of those named have denied any wrongdoing.
But investigation records reviewed by PREMIUM TIMES paint a picture of what prosecutors say was an elaborate financial network allegedly built to support an attempted military takeover.
The ₦785 Million Trail
According to military investigators, the financial trail begins with ₦785 million.
The money was allegedly supplied through Purple Waves Limited, an Abuja-based construction and real estate company prosecutors describe as a financial intermediary in the alleged plot.
Investigators further claim the funds originated from former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva, an allegation he has firmly denied.
Sylva, who is believed to be outside Nigeria, has consistently distanced himself from the alleged conspiracy.
According to investigators, the funds were transferred to a Kano-based Bureau de Change operator, Abdullahi Sani Mohammed, who allegedly distributed the money based on instructions received from Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji.
Those claims remain allegations before both the General Court Martial and the Federal High Court, where several defendants are currently standing trial.
Ten Days That Allegedly Changed Everything
Investigators say the alleged financial operation intensified between September 20 and September 30, 2025.
Within those ten days, they claim 47 separate payments were made to different individuals and organisations.
The timing, according to investigators, was not accidental.
The alleged conspirators were reportedly considering several possible dates for the operation, including September 27, October 1 and October 4, 2025.
Before any of those dates arrived, however, investigators say Colonel Ma’aji was arrested on September 29.
That arrest allegedly disrupted the operation.
Yet, according to investigators, several members of the network reportedly did not immediately realise their alleged leader had been taken into custody.
As a result, transfers allegedly continued into September 30, while fresh deposits from Purple Waves reportedly continued arriving until October 2.
The Bureau De Change Operator’s Statement
One of the prosecution’s central witnesses is the Kano Bureau de Change operator, Abdullahi Sani Mohammed.
In an extra-judicial statement obtained by investigators, Mohammed claimed he had known Ma’aji for years through foreign exchange transactions.
He described what investigators say evolved from routine dollar purchases into much larger financial transfers.
“Sometimes Oga Ma’aji would call me to ask for dollar prices,” Mohammed reportedly stated.
He said their transactions eventually expanded to include corporate accounts belonging to A&A Express Link, ASA Multipurpose Concept, and Luji Trade and Investment Limited.
According to his statement, he received the first two major transfers of ₦150 million each around September 18.
Investigators say additional deposits of ₦100 million, ₦50 million, another ₦100 million, and another ₦50 million allegedly followed.
Altogether, investigators claim Mohammed received ₦785 million between September 20 and October 2.
Where Investigators Say The Money Went
The investigation records allege that the money was distributed to numerous recipients assigned different responsibilities.
Military prosecutors claim some serving and retired officers received payments connected to operational assignments.
Among those named in the investigation:
- Lt. Col. Shamsudeen Bappah allegedly received ₦5 million.
- Lt. Felix Sunday Stephen allegedly received ₦17 million across two transfers.
- Lt. Aminu John allegedly received ₦10 million.
- Maj. Mundi Usman allegedly received ₦25 million through multiple payments.
- Squadron Leader Zuzu Noel Goddy allegedly received ₦1 million.
- Squadron Leader Sani Bubara Adamu, who investigators say remains at large, allegedly received ₦1 million.
The investigation also names former military personnel, warrant officers and other individuals who allegedly received varying sums.
These allegations have yet to be tested fully before the courts.
The Cleric Investigators Say Played A Spiritual Role
Among the names attracting particular attention is Goni Bukar, an Islamic cleric.
Investigators allege Bukar was engaged to provide spiritual support for the planned operation.
Financial records cited by investigators indicate he allegedly received:
- ₦10 million on September 20,
- ₦20 million on September 23,
- ₦20 million on September 29.
Total alleged transfers: ₦50 million.
The cleric, however, has reportedly insisted the funds were meant for prayers, charitable activities and mosque-related programmes—not for any attempt to overthrow the government.
Companies Also Appear In Investigation Files
The alleged money trail was not limited to individuals.
Investigators claim several corporate accounts received transfers during the period under review.
Among those listed:
- Cutzbytz Cakes
- Co-fran Spinfluence
- Aduko Engineering Services
- Schutmann Nigeria Limited
- Overere Services Limited
- Auto Revive
An automobile dealer and several other individuals also appear in the financial records reviewed by investigators.
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Military prosecutors argue that using business accounts may have helped disguise the movement of funds.
That claim also remains part of the ongoing court proceedings.
When ‘Farming’ Didn’t Mean Farming
Perhaps one of the more unusual aspects of the investigation involves the alleged language used by members of the network.
Investigators claim the alleged conspirators communicated using agricultural expressions to avoid attracting suspicion.
According to the investigation:
- The alleged coup was reportedly called “farming.”
- Logistics allegedly became “fertilisers.”
- The operation day was allegedly referred to as “harvest.”
- The alleged takeover itself became “digital farming.”
- Clerics consulted for prayers were allegedly described as “technical partners.”
Investigators believe the codewords were intended to disguise discussions if communications were intercepted.
Courtrooms Now Replace Secret Meetings
The alleged operation may have collapsed before it could be executed, but its legal consequences continue.
More than 40 suspects, including serving and retired military personnel, civilians, police officers and clerics, were arrested during the investigation.
Currently:
- 36 military personnel are standing trial before a General Court Martial in Abuja.
- Six defendants are facing charges before the Federal High Court.
Several defendants have challenged the admissibility of statements and video recordings relied upon by prosecutors, arguing they were obtained contrary to provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
The prosecution has urged the court to admit the evidence.
Separately, five associates of Timipre Sylva are reportedly facing prosecution over allegations that they failed to disclose information regarding his whereabouts.
A Case That Could Shape More Than One Verdict
Whether the allegations ultimately withstand judicial scrutiny remains to be seen.
For now, prosecutors insist they have uncovered an extensive financial network allegedly designed to support an unconstitutional seizure of power.
The defence maintains that the allegations must be tested against the law and evidence before any conclusions can be drawn.
As the trials continue, the courts—not the investigation files—will determine whether the alleged ₦785 million money trail was evidence of a failed coup or a case built on allegations yet to be proven.
Until then, one fact remains beyond dispute:
The courtroom, not public opinion, will deliver the final verdict.