Alleged Coup Twist: Report Reveals How Ex-Governor Sylva Was Drawn Into Funding Claims

According to a report by Premium Times, investigators uncovered documents allegedly linking the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain to the financial network said to have funded the alleged coup plot.

Sylva has denied any involvement in the alleged conspiracy.

The report, based on more than 7,400 pages of prosecution documents, claimed that Sylva’s alleged financial backing became a significant boost for the group after it reportedly struggled to raise funds.

Several serving and retired military officers, along with civilians accused of participating in the alleged plot, are currently facing trial before a General Court Martial and the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Although Sylva’s name reportedly featured in some of the case documents, he had neither been arrested nor formally charged as of the time of the report.

However, five of his former aides and domestic staff are standing trial in Abuja for allegedly concealing information about his whereabouts.

Colonel Explains Alleged Connection To Sylva

The alleged mastermind of the plot, Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji of the Nigerian Army, reportedly outlined his relationship with Sylva in handwritten statements and interviews with investigators.

Ma’aji claimed he first met the former governor while serving as a captain in the Army, although he did not specify when their relationship began.

Investigators believe the two may have become acquainted during Ma’aji’s deployment to the Niger Delta as part of Operation Crocodile Smile II in 2017, a military operation targeting militancy, oil theft and insecurity.

Sylva served as Bayelsa State governor between 2008 and 2012 before becoming Minister of State for Petroleum Resources from 2019 to 2023.

Investigators reportedly believe the relationship developed through their interactions within the region’s political and security circles.

‘I Don’t Want Military Issues’ – Ma’aji Alleges

Ma’aji reportedly told investigators that although he had contemplated a military takeover since 2023, he initially kept Sylva out of the discussions.

According to him, he only approached the former governor after other alleged members of the group pressured him to seek financial assistance.

“In terms of logistics support, after much pressure from some members, I had to approach Chief Timipre Sylva for financial support,” Ma’aji reportedly wrote.

The colonel claimed Sylva initially rejected the request, allegedly telling him: “Col., please I don’t want to hear about this.”

He further alleged that the former governor insisted he did not want to be associated with “any military issues.”

Ma’aji, however, claimed Sylva later contacted him and requested more information about the alleged operation, including its chances of success and whether adequate funding had been secured.

“He asked to know more of the details and asked about the chances of success,” Ma’aji reportedly stated.

The officer further alleged that Sylva later concluded military intervention was necessary after reflecting on the country’s situation.

According to the statement, Sylva allegedly said Nigeria’s political class had failed and questioned whether current politicians possessed the patriotism required to fix the country.

Ma’aji also claimed the former governor cited his decision to send his children abroad as evidence of his lack of confidence in Nigeria’s conditions.

₦785 Million Allegedly Routed Through BDC

Investigators reportedly traced about ₦785 million, described as the largest financial contribution to the alleged plot, to Sylva.

The funds were allegedly channelled through Purple Waves Limited, an Abuja-based construction company, before passing through the account of a Bureau de Change operator.

The company’s secretary, John Ebokpo, was reportedly questioned by security operatives over the transactions.

Ma’aji alleged that while Sylva agreed to provide financial support, he insisted the transfers should not be directly linked to him.

“He agreed to support us with funds but said he would not send money to my personal account because he did not want anything traced to him,” Ma’aji reportedly stated.

The colonel said he suggested using the account of a Bureau de Change operator identified as Alhaji Aminu, adding that the operator was allegedly unaware of the source or intended purpose of the funds.

According to Ma’aji, the funds were subsequently disbursed for various activities connected to the alleged plot.

Promotion Setbacks Allegedly Motivated Plot

Investigators also claimed Ma’aji admitted that repeated failures to secure promotion to the rank of brigadier general in 2023 and 2024 contributed to his decision to become involved in the alleged coup plan.

According to the report, the officer cited career frustration as one of the factors behind his actions.

Sylva Denies Allegations

Reacting through his spokesperson, Julius Bokoru, in a statement issued in October 2025, Sylva denied any involvement in the alleged coup plot.

The statement confirmed that operatives believed to be from the Defence Headquarters had searched the former governor’s residence.

Bokoru described Sylva as “a thoroughbred democrat” whose political career had always been rooted in democratic principles and institutions.

He also maintained that Sylva remained loyal to President Tinubu, pointing to his role in mobilising Bayelsa APC stakeholders to endorse the President.

The spokesperson dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, claiming they were orchestrated by rivals seeking to weaken Sylva ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to the report, Sylva is believed to be outside Nigeria while investigations continue.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has initiated forfeiture proceedings against properties allegedly linked to the former governor, including an interim forfeiture order obtained in May covering nine assets.