Military quizzes MD over alleged transfer to Sylva for coup financing
Military investigators probing an alleged plot to topple President Bola Tinubu are interrogating the managing director of a federal government agency in the South-South, amid claims he transferred a “huge sum of money” to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva.
According to The Punch, two intelligence officers confirmed the arrest, alleging that investigators suspect the funds were intended to support the purported coup effort.
“The MD (name withheld) 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 said.
The development follows a weekend raid on Sylva’s Abuja residence by security operatives, during which his younger brother, Paga — who serves as his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs — and his driver were reportedly arrested.
Sylva, a former Bayelsa governor and APC chieftain, was said to be abroad at the time. Security sources told The Punch he had planned to return to the country but changed his mind after learning that suspected coup plotters had been apprehended.
“Sylva was abroad and was preparing to leave for Nigeria when he got wind of the arrest of the coup leaders. So, he stayed back,” a security source said.
Claims of escape through creeks
Unverified reports from The Northern Star alleged that Sylva fled Nigeria through Niger Delta creeks and is considering seeking refuge in Argentina, following revelations about the alleged plot.
The publication, quoting unnamed security sources, claimed his departure was “swift and calculated” after learning of a high-level investigation.
Sylva’s media aide had earlier denied the coup allegations, saying the former minister travelled for medical reasons and a professional engagement.
Efforts to contact Maj-Gen Markus Kangy, the Director of Defence Media Operations, and Brig-Gen Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information, were unsuccessful on Tuesday.
On 4 October, Gusau confirmed that 16 military officers had been detained for “indiscipline and breach of service regulations,” linked to grievances over stalled promotions.
However, SaharaReporters alleged the officers from Captain to Brigadier-General were arrested nationwide by the Defence Intelligence Agency on suspicion of plotting to overthrow the government.
“The 16 officers were planning a coup,” the platform quoted an unnamed official as saying, adding that they had already begun secret meetings before their arrest.
The Defence Headquarters has not publicly addressed the latest financing allegations linked to Sylva or the reported detention of the agency MD.
