PREMIUM TIMES: Ex-minister Sylva allegedly funded N785m coup plot
PREMIUM TIMES obtained over 7,400 pages of investigative documents showing former Bayelsa governor Timipre Sylva allegedly contributed N785 million—the largest single share—to a failed coup plot against President Bola Tinubu's administration in September 2023. The funds were reportedly channeled through Abuja-based construction company Purple Waves Limited and a bureau de change operator.
According to handwritten statements from suspected coup leader Colonel Mohammed Ma'aji, Sylva initially dismissed requests for financial support but later changed his mind after reflecting on Nigeria's challenges, reportedly telling Ma'aji: "it is only military intervention that could save the country." Sylva allegedly sent his children abroad due to Nigeria's unfavorable conditions and insisted on remaining untraceable, suggesting the bureau de change route to conceal the money trail.
While Sylva denied involvement in October 2023, five of his former aides face charges in Abuja for allegedly concealing his whereabouts, and the government has initiated interim forfeiture proceedings against nine assets linked to him. The coup plot was bustled in September 2023 after Ma'aji's arrest.
Given Sylva's prominent APC background and previous roles as petroleum minister and Bayelsa governor, what does this alleged involvement suggest about factionalism within Nigeria's ruling party and potential threats to democratic stability ahead of future elections?