T he Nigerian military is investigating alleged irregularities linked to a rumored coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, uncovering a trail of N45 billion allegedly disbursed from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to politically exposed persons and some soldiers reportedly connected to the purported conspiracy.
Earlier this month, Sahara Reporters claimed that 16 Nigerian Army officers were detained for allegedly plotting to overthrow the president, linking the rumored coup to the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebrations. However, the military, via Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, has denied that the detentions were related to any coup. According to the statement, the detained officers are being investigated for professional misconduct, and the coup narrative is “false, misleading, and malicious.”
On Tuesday, reports emerged that Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) operatives raided the Abuja residence of former Bayelsa governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva. The raid was reportedly part of inquiries connected to the alleged plot. During the operation, Sylva’s younger brother, Paga, who serves as his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs, and his driver were taken into custody. The former governor and his wife, Alanyingi, were abroad at the time, attending medical and professional commitments in the UK and Malaysia.
Investigators are also said to have interrogated top NDDC officials regarding the source and use of public funds, with particular attention on a shoreline project valued at N45 billion awarded to a former governor in the South-South region. Some of the funds allegedly ended up in accounts linked to the detained military officers. Security sources described the probe as part of a broader intelligence-based investigation into the movement of public funds, aimed at identifying potential links to subversive activities.
An NDDC insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed the tense atmosphere within the commission:
“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. There is fear that the investigation may widen and implicate more senior officials.”
Despite inquiries, the NDDC spokesperson, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.
Timipre Sylva has strongly denied any connection to the alleged coup plot. His media aide, Chief Julius Bokoru, dismissed the rumors as politically motivated, claiming they were designed to undermine Sylva ahead of the 2027 elections. Bokoru told The media:
“It’s not true. This is the handiwork of people in the state APC who are concerned about their governorship ambition in 2027. They are appointees of the Federal Government, and instead of focusing on their work, they are playing local toxic politics.”
Bokoru confirmed that nothing incriminating was removed from Sylva’s Abuja residence, but he acknowledged that some property damage occurred during the raid. Expensive doors and household items were destroyed, although investigators reportedly found nothing linking Sylva to any unlawful activity.
A detailed statement titled “Setting the Record Straight on Recent False Reports About Sylva” further stressed:
“Chief Timipre Sylva, CON, and his esteemed wife, Her Excellency, Alanyingi Sylva, were both outside the country at the time of the incident. He has no involvement whatsoever—either in planning or in logistics—with any purported coup plot. These rumours are the handiwork of desperate politicians consumed by ambitions for 2027, who see Sylva as an obstacle.”
The investigation into NDDC transactions has created panic within the commission. Executive directors closely linked to the top management have reportedly become cautious, limiting communications and movements amid fears that the probe may expand. Sources indicated that investigators are meticulously examining high-value disbursements, including the N45 billion shoreline project, with the goal of determining the beneficiaries, legality, and ultimate recipients of these funds.
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC and Sylva’s former Chief of Staff while governor of Bayelsa, denied being involved in any coup plot or having been arrested. He told The PUNCH:
“I’m not aware of such. Just the way you are seeing it is the same way I’m seeing it too on social media.”
The Federal Government has consistently denied the existence of any coup plot against President Tinubu. The Defence Headquarters described circulating reports of a coup attempt as “false, misleading, and malicious,” emphasizing that the 16 detained military officers were being investigated for professional misconduct, not for plotting to overthrow the government.
However, the disclosure of N45 billion in NDDC transactions has intensified scrutiny of the commission’s financial operations. Analysts warn that this probe could have far-reaching implications, not only for the accountability of public funds but also for politically exposed persons linked to the NDDC.
Political observers note that the timing of these revelations could heighten tension within the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly in states where governorship elections are looming in 2027. Sylva, a former Bayelsa governor and a senior party figure, is widely regarded as a key player in the South-South region. The military raid and ongoing investigation have fueled speculation that political rivalries, rather than genuine security concerns, may have motivated some of the accusations.
Bokoru described the situation as a mix of political maneuvering and local power struggles:
“Those doing this are in the state APC. It is about the 2027 governorship ambition. They are desperate and self-serving, trying to neutralize Sylva’s credibility and political presence. But their tactics will not succeed.”
As the military continues its intelligence-based probe, attention remains focused on both the NDDC and the political landscape of the South-South. Analysts suggest that the outcome of this investigation could set a precedent for the handling of public funds and the accountability of politically-exposed officials in Nigeria.
For now, NDDC staff remain apprehensive, and the status of those detained during the Abuja raid continues to be a matter of public concern. The broader investigation is ongoing, and security agencies have yet to issue further clarifications on the scope or expected timeline of the inquiry.
Credit: PUNCH NEWS