Two Accused of Financing Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu Identified – PREMIUM TIMES
Security agencies probing an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu have identified two individuals accused of financing the failed conspiracy with a total of ₦835 million, according to an exclusive report by Premium Times.
The report alleges that former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva contributed ₦785 million — the largest share of the funds — through an Abuja-based construction firm, Purple Waves Limited. The company’s secretary, John Ebokpo, has reportedly been arrested and remains in detention as investigations continue.
Mr Sylva, who previously served as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is alleged to be a principal financier of the failed plot. However, he has denied any involvement and remains at large.
Corporate Links Under Scrutiny
Although investigators claim funds were channelled through Purple Waves Limited, official records from the Corporate Affairs Commission do not list Mr Sylva as a director or shareholder of the company. The firm was registered in March 2009 for construction and maintenance services.
Attempts by journalists to reach Mr Sylva and his associates for comment were reportedly unsuccessful. When reporters visited the company’s listed office address in Abuja, a security guard indicated that the premises had been shut for several months — a period said to coincide with arrests linked to the alleged plot.
The second individual named in the investigation is Moses Zakwa, who is accused of contributing ₦50 million through Clay Ring Services Limited, a Lagos-based property development company where he is listed as a director. Little public information is available about Mr Zakwa. Efforts to reach other directors of the firm were also unsuccessful.
Military and Intelligence Findings
Last month, the Defence Headquarters announced that investigations into the alleged coup attempt had been concluded and forwarded to the appropriate authorities in line with military regulations.
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The military disclosed that several officers across the armed forces were implicated, describing the alleged actions as inconsistent with professional military standards. Reports indicate that approximately 40 suspects — including senior military officers, a police officer, and civilians — are currently in detention.
The operation leading to the arrests was reportedly coordinated by Army Headquarters and the State Security Service (SSS), with additional investigations involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Among those allegedly linked to the network is retired Major General Adamu, who remains at large alongside Mr Sylva.
Alleged Plot Details
According to sources cited in the report, the alleged conspirators initially planned to disrupt the transfer of power from former President Buhari to President Tinubu during the inauguration on 29 May 2023. The plan was reportedly postponed due to funding and logistical challenges before being reactivated in 2025 following the alleged transfer of funds.
The alleged mastermind was identified as Colonel Alhassan Maaji. Investigators claim the plot involved plans to seize key national assets, including the Presidential Villa, military barracks, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Security agencies also reported the recovery of weapons and vehicles allegedly intended for use in the operation. These included gun trucks, anti-aircraft weapons, rifles, ammunition, and several vehicles. Authorities stated that recovered funds have been secured in official military accounts.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Questions
The unfolding revelations have triggered mixed reactions across political and public spaces. Some citizens have questioned earlier official statements that downplayed the existence of a coup attempt, while others have called for full transparency and due process.
Observers note that the case raises broader concerns about national security, civil-military relations, and political stability as Nigeria approaches future election cycles.
Authorities have indicated that court-martial proceedings for implicated military personnel are pending presidential approval. Meanwhile, investigations into civilian suspects are ongoing.
As the case develops, attention remains focused on the legal process and the government’s handling of what could become one of the most consequential security cases in recent years.