Tension Rises Among Ex-Governor’s Allies as Over 30 Charged in Alleged Coup Case

As the Nigerian Army intensifies its crackdown, authorities find themselves on high alert, mobilizing their resources in a determined effort to track down and apprehend those believed to be behind this audacious plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government.

The atmosphere is charged with tension, as whispers of betrayal and conspiracy ripple through the community, leaving many on edge about what the future holds.

Military investigation into the alleged coup plot has reportedly uncovered a trail of N45 billion disbursed from the bank accounts of the Niger Delta Development Commission to some politically exposed persons and the soldiers detained in connection with the rumoured conspiracy to topple President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Earlier this month, Sahara Reporters reported that 16 Nigerian Army officers were detained for allegedly planning a coup d’etat to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.

The online newspaper had linked the alleged coup to the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day by the Federal Government.

However, the military, in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, denied the report linking the detention of the 16 military officers to a failed coup.

Multiple reports on Tuesday stated that some Nigerian Army personnel raided the Abuja residence of ex-governor Timipre Sylva, also a former Minister of State for Petroleum, in connection with the alleged coup plot currently under investigation by the Defence Intelligence Agency.

Sequel to the discovery, the Defence Intelligence Agency investigators grilled some top NDDC officials about the sources of the fund, beneficiaries and how it was utilised.

The development has set off panic alarms at the NDDC headquarters over alleged links to the financing of subversive activities.

The Federal Government had also denied the coup plot against Tinubu’s administration. The Defence Headquarters described reports of a coup attempt as “false, misleading, and malicious” and stated that 16 military officers in custody are being investigated for professional misconduct, not a coup plot.

While details of the interrogation of the NDDC officials remain unclear, investigators are said to be scrutinising a series of high-value transactions carried out in recent months allegedly linked to politically-exposed persons.

They include a shoreline project awarded to a former governor in the South-South to the tune of N45bn, some of which allegedly found its way to the account of some of the detained officers.

Security sources with knowledge of the ongoing probe confirmed that the interrogation of the NDDC top shots was “part of a broader intelligence-based inquiry into the movement of public funds.”

Sources in the NDDC disclosed to The PUNCH that many top officials are apprehensive that the development may trigger a broader probe into the commission’s financial dealings.

They affirmed that the invitation of the top NDDC executives had triggered widespread anxiety among senior officials.

According to one insider, who spoke on condition of anonymity, “Since the news broke about the interrogation of the top shots, the atmosphere here has been uneasy. Many directors are being cautious about their movements and communications.”

Some executive directors who maintain close administrative ties with the embattled NDDC top shots are said to be worried about the development.

The development has sparked intense speculation within the commission, with staff expressing concern that the investigation could widen and implicate other senior officials.

The NDDC spokesperson, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, declined comments when asked about the quizzing of the commission’s officials.

Meanwhile, Sylva has denied alleged involvement in the coup plot.

His Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Chief Julius Bokoru, said the rumour in some quarters is the handiwork of ‘’desperate and self-seeking politicians trying to actualise their ambitions in 2027.’’

Bokoru explained that no reason was provided for the raid. He further clarified that the former governor’s Yenagoa residence was not raided by the operatives.

He confirmed that Sylva and his wife, Alanyingi, were out of the country at the time.

Explaining their absence, Bokoru said Sylva was in the United Kingdom for routine medical checks and would soon be on his way to Malaysia to attend “a professional conference.”

“For the avoidance of doubt, it is true that the residence of His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, was recently subjected to a raid by individuals believed to be operatives of the Defence Headquarters. During the said operation, considerable damage was inflicted upon the property.

“Despite sustained efforts, I have been unable to ascertain the reasons or authorisation for this raid. To the best of my knowledge, the officers involved did not provide any categorical explanation for their actions, either at the time or subsequently.

“It is important to state unequivocally that His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, CON, and his esteemed wife, Her Excellency, Alanyingi Sylva, were both outside the country at the time of the incident.

“As at my last communication with His Excellency, he was engaged in a routine medical check-up in the United Kingdom, after which he was scheduled to proceed to Malaysia to attend a professional conference.

“The next development I was made aware of, regrettably, were reports circulating across social media and other platforms concerning the raid on his residence.

“While the Defence Headquarters has already debunked the swirling rumours of a coup in Nigeria, it is important to state emphatically that Chief Timipre Sylva, CON, has no involvement whatsoever—either in planning or in logistics—with any such plot.

Meanwhile, investigations have progressed into the alleged attempted coup by some Nigerian soldiers arrested in September, with more than 30 suspects now set to face trial, according to PREMIUM TIMES.

Sources familiar with the investigation said the suspects, including senior military officers, are expected to be tried in both civil courts and military court martials.

The officers allegedly planned a violent takeover in which top government officials were marked for assassination.

Earlier, PREMIUM TIMES reported that a special panel was investigating individuals implicated in the failed attempt. The panel has now prepared a preliminary report that will be submitted to President Bola Tinubu, according to a source.

The report indicates that more than 30 suspects may face trial, while about seven others remain at large. Those found not to have a case to answer are expected to be released.

“The seven people could not be found in their homes, and their telephone numbers have been dead since this matter started,” one source said. “So they are still on a manhunt.”

It is unclear whether Timipre Sylva, a former Bayelsa governor and petroleum minister, is among the seven people at large. Mr Sylva recently confirmed that his home was raided by soldiers but denied any involvement in a coup plot.

“During the said operation, considerable damage was inflicted upon the property.

“Despite sustained efforts, I have been unable to ascertain the reasons or authorisation for this raid. To the best of my knowledge, the officers involved did not provide any categorical explanation for their actions, either at the time or subsequently,” Mr Sylva’s spokesperson, Julius Bokoru, said.

Mr Bokoru also confirmed that Mr Sylva was not in the country during the raid and did not disclose when he plans to return to Nigeria.

Next Step by Investigators

The Chairman of the Special Investigative Panel, Emmanuel Undiendeye, a major general who is also the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), is expected to meet with the Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs in the coming days to determine next steps.

“The president will also be briefed,” another source confirmed.

Military officers among the suspects will first face court martials before possible civil proceedings, while civilians implicated in the alleged plot will be tried in civil courts, our sources said.

PREMIUM TIMES had earlier published the identities of 16 top military officers allegedly involved in the failed attempt. The officers were arrested in late September after intelligence reports indicated they were holding secret meetings and planning to overthrow the government. Fourteen of the detained officers are from the Nigerian Army, while two are from the Navy and Air Force.

The identities of the newly arrested suspects remain unclear.

Although the Defence Headquarters had released an ambiguous statement on the alleged coup attempt, sources said military authorities now appear ready to make categorical statements about the coup and those arrested.

“In the days to come, the Defence Headquarters is likely to issue a statement telling Nigerians about the findings from the investigation so far,” one source said.