Fresh details have emerged on how operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), working with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), allegedly uncovered huge sums of money traced to accounts linked to former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, in connection with the reported coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
According to sources who spoke with Daily Sun, Sylva, a former Minister of State for Petroleum, is suspected to be the chief financier of the foiled coup attempt.
He was reportedly fingered by some of the detained military officers, including a Brigadier General, who confessed to investigators.
Security sources told Daily Sun that once Sylva’s name was mentioned during interrogation, DIA operatives swung into action and enlisted the help of NFIU and EFCC to track suspicious transactions.
Investigations reportedly revealed that large sums were earmarked for the purchase of drones and other technological weapons intended to execute the coup with minimal physical troop involvement.
Initially sceptical, President Tinubu was said to have demanded “concrete evidence” before taking the reports seriously. The combined findings of the three agencies reportedly convinced him that an attempt to subvert his government had indeed taken place.
Detained officers, ranging from Brigadier General to Captain, have allegedly made full confessional statements detailing their recruitment into the plot and their roles in the planned operation.
Insiders further alleged that Sylva, who has remained outside the country since the arrests, became a target for operatives after learning that the officers had been apprehended.
Although earlier reports suggested that the military stormed Sylva’s Abuja residence, sources now claim the raid was carried out by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). Parts of the house were damaged during the operation, though nothing incriminating was reportedly found.
Findings from the investigation are said to have been concluded and will be submitted to President Tinubu soon. The military is also expected to make the matter public in the coming days, including naming the officers allegedly involved, ahead of a General Court Martial.
Security insiders further alleged that Sylva’s grievances stemmed from his non-inclusion in Tinubu’s administration and his alleged involvement in illegal oil bunkering and other illicit activities in the Niger Delta.
Naijaonpoint reports that Sylva has denied any form of involvement in the alleged coup.
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