The Federal Government has successfully blocked N83 billion in cryptocurrency and fiat money reportedly channeled towards funding the recent nationwide protests against bad governance in Nigeria.
National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, disclosed this during the inaugural meeting of the Council of State meeting convened by President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday.
Ribadu said the government had tracked $50 million in cryptocurrency, of which $38 million was frozen in four different wallets. Additionally, N4 billion, contributed by various political actors from Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina States, was identified as part of the protest funds.
The NSA also unveiled that an unnamed European national has been identified as the mastermind behind the proliferation of foreign flags during the protests.
He said local conspirators, traced to Abuja, Kano, and Kaduna have been arrested.
The Council of State meeting, which also addressed issues of national security, the economy, and food security, was attended by notable figures, including former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, as well as former Heads of State General Yakubu Gowon and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who joined virtually.