Samuel Omang
The ongoing investigation into an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration has reportedly led military authorities to trace suspicious transactions worth N45 billion originating from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The funds were allegedly channelled to politically exposed individuals and some military personnel now in detention.
Earlier in October, Sahara Reporters claimed that 16 Army officers were being held for allegedly planning a coup following the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebrations. The military swiftly dismissed the claims, insisting the detained officers were only being probed for undisclosed professional misconduct.
Despite the denial, tension escalated this week after reports emerged that operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency stormed the Abuja home of former Bayelsa State governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva.
According to sources, the operation was part of a broader intelligence effort to unravel the flow of public funds that might have been diverted to finance subversive activities. Investigators reportedly questioned some senior NDDC officials over the origin and disbursement of the controversial N45bn.
Insiders at the commission said the development has caused anxiety within the NDDC headquarters, with top executives reportedly limiting public engagements and communications in fear of a widened probe.
One senior staff member revealed that since news of the interrogation filtered out, “the atmosphere in the commission has been extremely tense, with key officials moving cautiously.”
The suspicious transactions under scrutiny allegedly include payments tied to a shoreline protection contract awarded to a former South-South governor, with portions of the funds allegedly linked to the accounts of detained military personnel.
Sylva Denies Coup Allegation
In response to growing speculation, Sylva has maintained his innocence. His media aide, Chief Julius Bokoru, condemned the reports linking the former governor to any anti-government plot, blaming political rivals pushing ahead of the 2027 elections.
Bokoru confirmed that Sylva’s home was raided last Saturday while the former minister and his wife were abroad for medical and official engagements. During the operation, Sylva’s younger brother and driver were reportedly taken into custody and had yet to be released as of press time.
Although nothing was reportedly taken from the residence, a close ally said expensive fittings and doors were damaged and the property ransacked — yet no incriminating items were found.
Bokoru described Sylva as a “committed democrat and firm supporter of President Tinubu,” insisting the rumours were fabricated by political rivals attempting to undermine the former governor’s influence in Bayelsa politics.
NDDC Silent, Investigation Expands
Attempts to get official comments from NDDC spokesperson Seledi Thompson-Wakama were unsuccessful, as inquiries were declined.
Meanwhile, Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, denied involvement or arrest, stating that he had only seen the rumours circulating on social media like everyone else.
Security insiders say the investigation is ongoing, with intelligence operatives tracking high-value transactions and monitoring communications among high-ranking individuals.
Officials familiar with the probe described it as “an intelligence-driven inquiry into the movement of public funds that may have supported activities against the state.”