Military investigators are questioning the Managing Director of a Federal Government agency in the South-South over alleged links to a plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.
Sources said the MD was arrested for allegedly transferring a large sum of money to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva. Investigators suspect the funds were intended to support the alleged coup attempt.
Sylva’s Abuja home was reportedly raided on Saturday. His younger brother, Paga—who serves as his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs—and his driver were arrested. Sylva, who was abroad at the time, was said to have postponed his return to Nigeria after learning of the arrests.
“The MD transferred a huge sum to Sylva, and investigators believe it was tied to the coup plot,” a security source said.
Military spokespersons Maj-Gen Markus Kangye and Brig-Gen Tukur Gusau were unavailable for comment.
Earlier this month, Gusau confirmed that 16 officers were detained for “breaches of military regulations and indiscipline,” linked to frustration over stalled promotions. However, SaharaReporters claimed the officers—ranging from Captain to Brigadier General—were arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency for planning to overthrow the government.
The investigation is ongoing.
