Two Individuals Allegedly Bankrolled Coup Plot Against President Tinubu — Report

According to an exclusive report from PREMIUM TIMES, security agencies investigating the alleged coup plot targeting President Bola Tinubu have identified two individuals who allegedly funneled N835 million through private companies to support the conspiracy.

Investigators say former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva provided the largest share of N785 million, transferred via Purple Waves Limited, an Abuja-based construction firm. John Ebokpo, the company’s secretary, has been arrested and remains in detention. Mr. Sylva, who previously served as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is accused of being the principal financier and is currently at large.

Company records at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) show Mr. Sylva is neither a director nor a shareholder in Purple Waves Limited, which was registered in March 2009 for construction and maintenance activities. Attempts to reach Mr. Sylva or his spokesperson, Julius Bokoru, were unsuccessful. A visit to the company’s Abuja office confirmed it had been closed for four to five months, coinciding with arrests related to the coup.

The second alleged sponsor, Moses Zakwa, reportedly contributed N50 million through Clay Ring Services Limited, a Lagos-based property management firm where he is listed as a director. Little is publicly known about Zakwa. A man with the same name was involved in a 2014 protest in Ikeja, advocating for the release of abducted schoolgirls in Borno State, though it is unclear if this is the same individual. Efforts to reach other directors of Clay Ring Services were unsuccessful.

Last month, the Defence Headquarters announced the completion of investigations, forwarding findings to the appropriate superior authority. The military reported that several officers faced allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, describing such conduct as inconsistent with professional military standards. Forty suspects, including senior military officers, a police officer, and civilians allegedly involved in funding, logistics, and propaganda operations, remain in detention.

Among the key figures identified is retired Major General Adamu, who, like Mr. Sylva, is currently at large. Intelligence sources disclosed that one suspect was tracked to a South American country, though details are withheld for security reasons.

Investigations indicate that Colonel Alhassan Maaji, service number N/10668, allegedly led the plot, which included plans to assassinate President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Service Chiefs, and the Commander of the Guards Brigade. Officers were reportedly assigned to seize control of strategic locations including the Presidential Villa, Niger Barracks, the Armed Forces Complex, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

Authorities have recovered significant weapons and equipment, including gun trucks, anti-aircraft guns, RPGs, AK-47s, tactical gear, and multiple vehicles, all now secured by the Defence Intelligence Agency. Funds recovered have been lodged into the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police account with the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The military is awaiting presidential approval to formally constitute a court-martial panel to try the officers involved.