Timipre Sylva has been linked to an alleged coup funding probe after a federal agency MD was arrested for transferring funds to the former minister

Timipre Sylva has reportedly been linked to an ongoing military investigation into an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, following the arrest of a Managing Director of a Federal Government agency in the South South region.

Also read: Nigerian Military Officers held over coup plot to overthrow President Tinubu

According to security sources, the MD is being grilled by military investigators for allegedly transferring a huge sum of money to Timipre Sylva, a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and one-time governor of Bayelsa State.

The transaction is believed to have been connected to the alleged funding of the coup plot.

“The MD 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,” one intelligence officer confirmed.

The investigation took a dramatic turn over the weekend when Sylva’s Abuja residence was reportedly raided by operatives.

His younger brother, Paga Sylva, who serves as his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs, and his driver were both arrested during the operation.

Sources close to the situation revealed that Timipre Sylva was outside the country at the time of the raid and allegedly postponed his return to Nigeria after learning that suspected coup plotters had been arrested.

“Sylva’s Abuja home was raided on Saturday, but he wasn’t around. His younger brother and driver were arrested. Investigators believe Sylva allegedly funded the coup plot,” the source said.

Efforts to reach the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Markus Kangye, and the Director of Defence Information, Brig-Gen Tukur Gusau, proved unsuccessful as both officials did not respond to calls.

Earlier this month, Brig-Gen Gusau confirmed that 16 officers had been detained for breaches of military discipline, though he made no reference to a coup plot.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that a routine military exercise has resulted in the arrest of sixteen officers over issues of indiscipline and breach of service regulations,” his October 4 statement read.

However, reports from SaharaReporters alleged that the detained officers, ranging from the rank of Captain to Brigadier General, were being held by the Defence Intelligence Agency for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government.

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The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities yet to issue an official statement on the alleged involvement of Timipre Sylva or the detained agency boss.