FG Agency Boss, Sylva Linked to Alleged Coup Plot — Investigators

Military authorities investigating an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are reportedly interrogating the Managing Director of a Federal Government agency in the South South region.

According to credible intelligence sources, the agency head was arrested over suspicions of transferring a substantial amount of money to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, who has been identified as one of the alleged financiers of the plot to forcefully change Nigeria’s government.

Investigators reportedly believe the transaction was connected to funding the alleged coup.

“The MD (name withheld) transferred a huge sum of money to Sylva. Investigators suspect the transfer was linked to the coup financing. He is currently being questioned on the purpose of the transaction,” a security source disclosed.

Military operatives also stormed Sylva’s Abuja residence on Saturday, arresting his younger brother, Paga, who serves as his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs, along with his driver. The former Bayelsa State governor and All Progressives Congress chieftain was reportedly out of the country at the time of the raid.

Sources familiar with the development revealed that Sylva had planned to return to Nigeria before news broke about the arrest of the alleged coup leaders, prompting him to postpone his trip.

“Sylva’s house was raided on Saturday, but he wasn’t home. His brother Paga and his driver were taken into custody. Investigators suspect Sylva provided financial backing for the coup plot. He was abroad and preparing to fly back when he got word of the arrests, so he decided to remain overseas,” one source said.

Efforts to reach the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, and the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, were unsuccessful as both officials did not respond to calls on Tuesday.

Earlier, on October 4, Gusau had issued a statement confirming the detention of 16 military officers for acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that a routine military exercise resulted in the arrest of sixteen officers over issues of indiscipline and violation of military conduct. Investigations revealed that their grievances were mainly due to perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failures in promotion examinations,” the statement read.

However, online outlet Sahara Reporters claimed the detained officers — ranging from Captains to Brigadier Generals — were held by the Defence Intelligence Agency for allegedly plotting to overthrow the Tinubu administration. The platform alleged that the officers were picked up from various locations across the country.

A military source quoted by Sahara Reporters claimed, “The sixteen officers had been holding secret meetings aimed at toppling the President and other senior government officials.”