The ongoing military investigation into a purported coup plot has reportedly uncovered a trail of N45 billion allegedly disbursed from the accounts of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to some politically exposed persons and detained soldiers, raising concerns over the potential misuse of public funds.
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Earlier reports by Sahara Reporters claimed that 16 Nigerian Army officers were detained for allegedly planning a coup to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, linking the plot to the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebrations. However, the military, through the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, denied any connection between the detention of the officers and a coup attempt, asserting that the officers are under investigation for professional misconduct.
Sources reported that operatives from the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) recently raided the Abuja residence of former Bayelsa Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, in connection with the ongoing investigation. During the raid, Sylva’s younger brother, Paga, who also serves as his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs, and his driver were taken into custody. Sylva and his wife, Alanyingi, were out of the country at the time.
The probe reportedly led to the interrogation of top NDDC officials regarding the source, allocation, and utilization of the N45 billion, some of which allegedly flowed to accounts linked to the detained soldiers. Among the funds under scrutiny was a shoreline project in the South-South awarded to a former governor.
Security sources confirmed that the investigation forms part of a broader intelligence-led inquiry into the movement of public funds. Within the NDDC, apprehension has reportedly grown among senior executives over potential wider investigations into the commission’s finances. One insider told The PUNCH that “many directors are being cautious about their movements and communications” amid the ongoing scrutiny.
Sylva has publicly denied any involvement in the alleged coup plot. His Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Chief Julius Bokoru, described the rumours as the “handiwork of desperate and self-seeking politicians aiming for the 2027 governorship elections.” Bokoru emphasized that the raid on Sylva’s Abuja residence caused property damage but yielded no incriminating evidence. He added that Sylva and his wife were out of the country for medical and professional reasons.
Bokoru also refuted claims linking the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku—who served as Sylva’s Chief of Staff during his governorship—to the alleged plot. Ogbuku, when contacted, denied any arrest or involvement.
In a statement titled “Setting the Record Straight on Recent False Reports About Sylva,” Bokoru reiterated that the former governor had no involvement in planning or logistics of any coup, highlighting Sylva’s long-standing commitment to democratic processes and support for President Tinubu. The statement criticized political actors allegedly using the claims to advance their 2027 ambitions, describing the accusations as “desperate and self-serving.”
The Defence Headquarters has also reiterated that reports of a coup attempt are “false, misleading, and malicious,” reinforcing that the 16 detained officers are being investigated solely for professional misconduct.
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