EXCLUSIVE: How former Gov. Sylva allegedly became coup convert, sponsor within weeks

Timipre Sylva, a former governor of Bayelsa State and prominent member of Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is emerging as a key figure in an alleged coup plot aimed at toppling President Bola Tinubu’s government last year. According to newly uncovered evidence obtained by Premium Times, Sylva allegedly transitioned from being a passive observer to a critical financier of the failed operation within weeks of its inception. His involvement reportedly provided the necessary momentum to the plot, which was ultimately dismantled in September 2023. Investigations into the coup have so far focused on military officers and civilians linked to the conspiracy. Among them is Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, a suspected mastermind of the plot, who detailed in handwritten statements and recorded interviews how Sylva’s financial backing transformed the plan from a theoretical discussion into a tangible threat. Ma’aji described the former governor as someone whose influence and resources were crucial in moving the operation forward. The connection between Sylva and Ma’aji dates back to the latter’s time as a captain in the Nigerian Army. While specific dates of their initial meeting remain unclear, their paths likely crossed during Ma’aji’s deployment to the oil-rich Niger Delta region. This area has long been a nexus of political, economic, and security interests, providing fertile ground for relationships between military officials and regional leaders. Ma’aji gained much of his operational experience there, building a network that included both military and civilian stakeholders. According to documents reviewed by Premium Times, Sylva allegedly funneled N785 million into the coup through Purple Waves Limited, a construction firm based in Abuja. The money passed through the account of a bureau de change operator before reaching the intended recipients. John Ebokpo, the secretary of Purple Waves Limited, has been questioned by security agencies regarding these transactions. However, Sylva himself has not been formally charged or arrested, despite his name appearing in multiple legal filings related to the case. Five of Sylva’s former aides and household staff are currently facing charges in the Federal High Court in Abuja for allegedly withholding information about his location. These individuals are under investigation for their potential knowledge of Sylva’s movements, which could aid in locating him should authorities decide to pursue formal charges against him. Ma’aji’s statements reveal that the coup initially struggled to gain traction due to lack of funding and coordination. It was only after Sylva’s financial commitment that the plot began to take shape. His support reportedly allowed the conspirators to acquire essential supplies, secure safe houses, and coordinate logistics across different regions of the country. Without such backing, the operation might have collapsed before it even reached the planning stage. The allegations against Sylva place him at the center of one of the most serious security threats to Nigeria’s democratic institutions in recent years. As a former governor and senior APC member, his involvement raises questions about the internal dynamics of the ruling party and the extent of political disaffection among high-ranking officials. His apparent shift from loyal supporter to alleged coup sponsor underscores the complex interplay of personal ambition, political grievances, and financial incentives that can drive such actions. Military courts and federal prosecutors continue to investigate the case, with trials ongoing in both the General Court Martial and the Federal High Court. The outcome of these proceedings will determine whether Sylva faces formal charges and what role he played in the broader context of the coup attempt. For now, he remains at large, while his associates face the consequences of their alleged complicity.