Military investigators have detained at least three people in connection with an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, The PUNCH reported Wednesday.
Those arrested include a Managing Director of a federal agency in the South-South region, the younger brother of former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, and the brother’s driver.
According to intelligence sources, the MD allegedly transferred a large sum of money to Sylva, believed to be one of the financiers of the supposed coup attempt. Investigators suspect the funds were meant to support the operation.
Sylva’s Abuja residence was reportedly raided on Saturday while he was abroad. His younger brother, Paga—who also serves as his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs—and his driver were taken into custody. Sources say Sylva canceled plans to return to Nigeria after learning that several suspects had been arrested.
Military spokespersons Maj-Gen Markus Kangye and Brig-Gen Tukur Gusau could not be reached for comment.
Earlier, on October 4, the Defence Headquarters confirmed the detention of 16 officers for “indiscipline and breach of service regulations,” citing frustration over failed promotion exams. However, SaharaReporters claimed those officers were actually being held by the Defence Intelligence Agency for allegedly plotting a coup.
The military has not publicly addressed these latest arrests or confirmed any connection to an attempted overthrow.
