Fresh revelations have indicated that Brigadier General Nicholas Ashinze, once detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over his alleged involvement in the multi-billion-naira arms fund diversion scandal known as DasukiGate, is now a central figure in the ongoing probe into an alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Papers News reports that the scandal, popularly referred to as DasukiGate, relates to the alleged diversion of about $2 billion meant for arms procurement under former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.).
The funds were originally earmarked to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram insurgency but were allegedly diverted to politicians, contractors and associates.
The controversy remains one of the country’s largest corruption cases, shaping national debates around accountability within the military and government.
Ashinze, who currently serves as Director of Fusion at the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), is said to have been involved in the investigative panel probing the alleged coup plot from its early stages.
The DIA, established in 1986, serves as Nigeria’s primary military intelligence institution responsible for gathering intelligence for the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence.
The agency also plays a key role in safeguarding national security and supporting military operations against insurgency and terrorism.
Observers, however, have raised questions about the credibility and neutrality of the probe due to Ashinze’s previous involvement in the DasukiGate controversy.
Ashinze is said to be working alongside other senior officers.
Among them is Major General R. E. Hedima, now Chief of Military Intelligence, who previously served as Principal General Staff Officer to the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General Emmanuel Parker.
The investigative panel itself was reportedly headed by Major General Y. Yahaya, who currently commands Operation Savannah Shield in Kwara State, a security operation launched in February 2026.
A source familiar with the investigation told Sahara Reporters: “Major General Y. Yahaya headed the highly secretive panel and is currently serving as the Theatre Commander for Operation Savannah Shield in Kwara State.”
Sources allege that the panel advanced several controversial claims during the probe.
Among them were reports that ₦12 billion was discovered in the account of Colonel M.A. Ma’aji and that snipers had been recruited within the Presidential Villa.
Critics have argued that some of these allegations appeared sensational and may have been designed to support a predetermined narrative.
Some observers have suggested that elements of the alleged coup plot may have been exaggerated to justify sweeping actions against certain officers.
Civil society groups and families of detained officers have raised concerns about the handling of the investigation.
They have called for a transparent, independent and credible process, warning against the influence of internal power struggles or personal ambitions within the military hierarchy.
According to them, the probe represents not only a national security issue but also a test of public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.
Families of detained officers have also expressed fears about the health and safety of their loved ones.
They have called on authorities to provide assurances that the officers are alive, healthy and given the opportunity to defend themselves against the allegations.
In January 2026, reports emerged that at least five officers had fallen ill in detention, with two collapsing due to deteriorating health conditions.
Sources alleged that some of the detained officers were transferred from an initial detention facility operated by the DIA to an underground military cell in Abuja described as poorly ventilated.
Military sources disclosed that numerous officers across different ranks were detained during the investigation.
Those reportedly in custody include one Brigadier General, two Colonels, five Lieutenant Colonels, one Wing Commander, eight Majors, one Lieutenant Commander, two Squadron Leaders, five Captains and one Lieutenant.
Also detained are 10 non-commissioned officers, including a Warrant Officer, five Sergeants, one Corporal and two Lance Corporals.
The officers were drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, and were reportedly arrested during coordinated operations carried out by military intelligence operatives after weeks of surveillance.
The controversy also took a political turn following reports that military operatives raided the Maitama residence of former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, as part of the investigation.
Sylva later confirmed that security operatives visited his home but denied any involvement in the alleged plot, describing attempts to link him to the matter as politically motivated.
