Military investigators probing an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu are interrogating the Managing Director of a federal government agency in Nigeria’s South-South region, The PUNCH reports.
Two intelligence officers confirmed the MD’s arrest for allegedly transferring a large sum of money to Timipre Sylva, former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Bayelsa governor, identified as a key financier in the suspected coup.
“The MD transferred a huge sum of money to Sylva. Investigators are working on the theory that the fund transfer was connected to the coup. He is presently answering questions about what the money was meant for,” one source revealed.
In a related Saturday operation, troops raided Sylva’s upscale Abuja residence, arresting his younger brother, Paga—Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs—and the family driver, security sources told The PUNCH.
Sylva, a prominent All Progressives Congress figure, was abroad and aborted plans to return upon learning of the coup leaders’ arrests.
“Sylva’s Abuja home was raided on Saturday, but he wasn’t around. His younger brother, Paga, who is the SA, Domestic, and the driver, were arrested. Investigators believe Sylva allegedly funded the coup plot,” a source explained.
Defence Headquarters spokespersons—Director of Defence Media Operations Maj-Gen Markus Kangye and Director of Defence Information Brig-Gen Tukur Gusau—declined comment Tuesday, failing to respond to inquiries.
Gusau’s October 4 statement framed the initial officer detentions as a “routine military exercise” over indiscipline and promotion exam failures, stating: “Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation.”
The unfolding scandal has heightened tensions amid recent military reshuffles, with families of the incommunicado detainees voicing alarm after over three weeks without contact.