Investigators probing a failed coup plot against President Bola Tinubu say former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Timipre Sylva stands accused as the principal financier of the conspiracy.
Security sources revealed that N835 million was channelled into the alleged plot through private companies, with N785 million traced to an Abuja-based firm linked to Sylva.
The funds are reported to have passed through Purple Waves Limited, a construction and maintenance company registered in Abuja, though corporate records do not list Sylva as a director or shareholder.
Authorities also said N50 million was allegedly contributed by another individual through Clay Ring Services Limited, a Lagos real estate firm.
Sylva, who previously governed Bayelsa State and later served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, remains at large and has denied any role in the coup plot.
Efforts to reach him or his spokesperson for comment were unsuccessful.
The Defence Headquarters has said its probe is complete and that findings have been forwarded to “appropriate superior authority” for action.
About 40 suspects, including military officers and civilians, were detained earlier in a covert operation led by the Army and State Security Service.
Investigators alleged the plot was revived in 2025 after earlier plans in 2023 were shelved for lack of funds and logistics.
A retired Major General identified in the probe also remains fugitiv e, alongside Sylva.
Purported plans included targeting the President, Vice President, legislature leaders and key national security installations, according to security sources.
Recovered exhibits include firearms, anti-aircraft guns, ammunition and tactical vehicles, officials say, now held by the Defence Intelligence Agency.
Sylva’s media aide had previously dismissed coup allegations as politically motivated, but recent disclosures focus on the financial trails investigators say link Sylva to the alleged funding.
