The Federal Government has traced at least N83 billion in cryptocurrency and fiat money linked to recent nationwide protests.
The traced fund includes $50 million in cryptocurrency, with $38 million blocked across four cryptocurrency wallets, and N4 billion contributed by various political actors in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina.
This information emerged during a presentation by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu at the inaugural Council of State meeting convened by President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
Sources familiar with the meeting disclosed that Ribadu addressed the topic "The Nationwide Protest As It Affects National Security."
He identified a European individual as the mastermind behind the proliferation of foreign flags during the protests, who will soon be declared wanted by the Police.
Local conspirators linked to Abuja, Kaduna, and Kano have been arrested. Ribadu stated that the government traced $50 million to crypto wallets used as donations for the protests, successfully blocking four wallets containing $38 million.
The Council of State meeting aimed to discuss various issues, including the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, national security, the economy, and food security.
The Council consists of the President, Vice President, all former Presidents and Heads of State, former Chief Justices of Nigeria, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and all state governors.
Former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari attended the inaugural meeting, while former Heads of State General Yakubu Gowon and General Abdulsalami Abubakar participated virtually alongside governors from Abia, Adamawa, and Akwa Ibom States.
A foreign agent connected to the protests has been identified, and authorities are actively searching for him. The NSA also confirmed that eight individuals died during the protests.
