The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has escalated its probe into an alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, interrogating the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and raiding residences linked to former Bayelsa Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva. The investigations, centered on a suspicious ₦45 billion financial trail from NDDC accounts to politically exposed persons (PEPs) and detained military officers, have sown unease across the Niger Delta, raising fears of misused development funds amid national security jitters.
Sources familiar with the inquiry, involving collaboration with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), point to high-value transactions from a ₦54 billion shoreline protection contract awarded under a prior administration. Approximately ₦20 billion in mobilization fees allegedly flowed to Sylva-linked accounts, with investigators theorizing ties to the coup’s financing—potentially linked to regional oil bunkering grievances and political sidelining. A senior security official described the interrogations as “part of a broader intelligence-based inquiry into the movement of public funds,” emphasizing no formal charges have been filed yet.
Timeline of Key Events
- Saturday, October 26: Army operatives raid Sylva’s Abuja residence. Absent during the operation, Sylva’s younger brother, Paga Sylva (Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs), and his driver are arrested. Reports describe damaged doors and ransacked appliances, though “nothing incriminating was found,” per a Sylva associate.
- Tuesday, October 29: Media outlets report the raid and link it to the coup probe. DIA grills top NDDC officials on fund sources, beneficiaries, and usage. Ogbuku, reportedly Sylva’s nominee, faces questioning over the ₦20 billion transfer.
- Wednesday, October 30: Arrest rumors swirl on social media and outlets like Punch, claiming Ogbuku’s detention for co-sponsoring the plot. A parallel raid targets Sylva’s Bayelsa home.
- Thursday, October 30: Ogbuku resurfaces live on Arise TV at an NDDC agricultural stakeholders’ forum in Port Harcourt, dismissing arrest claims: “I’m not aware of such. Just the way you are seeing it is the same way I’m seeing it too on social media.”
Denials and Defenses
Ogbuku’s public appearance—focusing on agricultural diversification—directly counters the narrative, with allies like APC chieftain Yekini Nabena labeling reports “fabricated fake news” from “political enemies jittery” over his successes. Comrade Prince Kpokpogri, Chairman of the Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum, called it a “white lie” by “fifth columnists,” stressing Ogbuku’s proximity to Sylva doesn’t imply guilt: “When has being interrogated amounted to being arrested?” NDDC spokesperson Seledi Thompson-Wakama declined comment, citing directives.
Sylva, abroad for medical and professional reasons, suspended his return after learning of arrests. His aide, Julius Bokoru, confirmed the raids in a statement titled “Setting the Record Straight,” denying involvement: “Entirely false and malicious… Chief Sylva remains a committed supporter of President Tinubu.” The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) reiterated no coup exists, framing the 16-42 officer detentions as “professional misconduct” tied to a canceled Independence Day parade.
Financial Trail and Probe Details
The ₦45 billion—disbursed to PEPs and suspects—stems from NDDC’s coastal contracts, with a detained officer reportedly naming Sylva as a “financier.” NDDC insiders report “uneasy” headquarters atmosphere, fearing a full audit amid oil theft and underdevelopment woes.
| Element | Details | Status/Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Funds Involved | ₦45bn total; ₦20bn from ₦54bn shoreline contract to Sylva-linked accounts. | Traced via NFIU/EFCC; potential diversion for coup or bunkering. |
| Arrests/Detentions | Ogbuku (interrogated, denies arrest); Paga Sylva & driver; 16-42 officers. | No charges; probe widening to NDDC books. |
| Raids | Sylva’s Abuja (Oct 26) & Bayelsa homes; damage reported but no evidence seized. | Confirmed by aides; tied to financial scrutiny. |
| Broader Probe | DIA-led; links to regional grievances, oil sector. | Could recover funds but risks politicizing Delta development. |
Niger Delta Ramifications
This controversy strikes at the heart of the region’s intervention body, potentially stalling projects like flood shelters and agricultural hubs amid environmental and economic vulnerabilities. Stakeholders decry it as “intrigue” undermining Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with fears it could fuel militancy if perceived as targeting Delta elites. The DHQ vows stability, but calls for transparency grow as investigations continue.
Niger Delta Herald monitors for updates—will accountability prevail over allegation? Share your view below.
