Security agencies have continued to intensify their probe into an alleged coup plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.
Reports emerging on Wednesday revealed that the intensified probe has allegedly fingered a former Bayelsa State Governor and immediate past Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, in the alleged coup plot to overthrow Tinubu.
According to reports, Sylva is on the radar of the Nigerian Army for his alleged involvement in mobilizing disgruntled political elements and exploiting recent nationwide civil unrest.
Sources within the security apparatus, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the investigation has moved past preliminary intelligence gathering and is now focusing on the financial and logistical backbone of the alleged conspiracy.
The former governor is said to be suspected of using his extensive network to fund and coordinate activities designed to destabilize the current administration.
As part of the investigation into the alleged coup plot to overthrow Tinubu, a special military team has reportedly arrested and is grilling the Managing Director of a Federal Government agency in the South-South region.
Reports revealed that the Managing Director was allegedly arrested for transferring a huge sum of money, Sylva, who was fingered as one of the financiers of the alleged plot to forcefully change the government.
According to reports, investigators believe the funds were meant to finance the coup.
“The MD (name withheld) transferred a huge sum of money to Sylva. Investigators are working on the theory that the fund transfer was connected to the coup. He is presently answering questions about what the money was meant for.”
Also, reports indicated that former Bayelsa governor Sylva’s Abuja house was reportedly raided by investigators on Saturday, with military operatives arresting his younger brother, Paga, who is his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs, and went away with his driver.
The former minister and All Progressives Congress chieftain was outside the country during the operation.
Sources with knowledge of the operation explained that he was planning to return to the country when he heard that the coup leaders had been arrested. He thus shelved his plan to return home.
“Sylva’s Abuja home was raided on Saturday, but he wasn’t around. His younger brother, Paga, who is the SA, Domestic, and the driver, was arrested. Investigators believe Sylva allegedly funded the coup plot. Sylva was abroad and was preparing to leave for Nigeria when he got wind of the arrest of the coup leaders. So, he stayed back.”
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that the development came after allegations emerged about an alleged coup plot to overthrow Tinubu.
The alleged Tinubu coup plot came to light after reports emerged that some military personnel were recently arrested over the conspiracy to overthrow the government.
Media accounts alleged that between 16 and 20 officers, including those ranging from Captain to Brigadier General, were arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
The reports further claimed the alleged plot was the true reason behind the abrupt cancellation of the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary parade on October 1st.
However, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) dismissed the alleged Tinubu coup plot.
This was made known in a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau.
“The attention of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has been drawn to a false and misleading report insinuating that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an alleged attempted military coup,” the statement read in part.
According to Gusau, the decision to cancel the parade was simply to allow President Bola Tinubu to attend a strategic bilateral meeting abroad and to enable the Armed Forces to sustain the tempo of ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to categorically state that the claims by the said publication are entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace,” the statement added.
Gusau also said that 16 officers were detained for breaches of military regulations and acts of indiscipline.
Meanwhile, the alleged coup plot report re-emerged on the headlines after Tinubu sacked four security chiefs.
The announcement was made known in a press statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare.
General Olufemi Oluyede was named the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), succeeding General Christopher Musa.
The new military leadership also includes Major-General W. Shaibu as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke as the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS). Notably, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye will retain his position as the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI).
The statement reads in part: “President Bola Tinubu has made changes in the hierarchy of the Service Chiefs in furtherance of the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria to strengthen the national security architecture.
“The President appointed General Olufemi Oluyede to replace General Christopher Musa as the new Chief of Defence Staff. The new Chief of Army Staff is Major-General W. Shaibu. Air Vice Marshall S.K. Aneke is Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff.
“Chief of Defence Intelligence Major-General E.A.P Undiendeye retains his position.”
