Nigeria has been thrust into a storm of political controversy, speculation, and intense security scrutiny in recent months following allegations of a foiled coup attempt aimed at disrupting the democratic handover of power and challenging the authority of President Bola Tinubu. At the centre of the swirling debate is a former Bayelsa State governor, accused by some security sources of being connected to the funding of the plot. However, this accusation has been firmly denied by the individual and his team, raising questions about politics, evidence, and national stability.
This blog post examines what happened, who was allegedly involved, and how political narratives and legal processes are unfolding around one of the most serious internal security challenges Nigeria has faced in its democratic era.
The Alleged Coup: A Plan to Disrupt Democracy
According to reports from credible Nigerian news outlets, a group of military officers quietly orchestrated a plan to overthrow Nigeria’s democratic process during a critical political transition period. Their aim — allegedly — was to truncate the handover of power from former President Muhammadu Buhari to President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2023.
The coup plot was reportedly scheduled to coincide with Nigeria’s Democracy Day and the presidential inauguration — two events symbolic of the nation’s commitment to democratic governance. However, the plan was ultimately suspended at the time due to lack of funds and poor logistical arrangements.
Sources familiar with the investigation say the conspirators intended to violently disrupt this transition, which could have plunged Nigeria into a new era of instability had it succeeded.
Who Was the Alleged Mastermind?
The plot is widely reported to have been orchestrated by a senior Nigerian Army officer identified as Colonel Mohammed (or Alhassan) Ma’aji. According to military investigators and sources, Colonel Ma’aji — a career officer with significant experience in operations — was seen as a central figure in coordinating the scheme.
Investigative reporting states that Ma’aji was expected to play a dual role:
1. Mobilising fellow officers discontented with internal military processes.
2. Coordinating logistics and strategy for the coup.
In some accounts, Ma’aji is described as having served as a security adviser to the former Bayelsa governor during past political campaigns, adding another layer to the allegations and fueling speculation about his connections.
The Bayelsa Governor Allegation: What the Investigations Say
One of the most controversial aspects of the story involves accusations that a former Bayelsa State governor transferred funds linked to the alleged coup plot.
Reports from multiple outlets such as Premium Times, Politics Nigeria, and ThePapers.NG allege that nearly ₦1 billion was transferred in multiple tranches from accounts linked to former Bayelsa Governor Timipre Sylva through a Bureau De Change operator, and that this money was directed toward those involved in the plot.
According to these reports:
The reactivation of the coup plot in 2025 was allegedly made possible after these transfers were flagged and traced by investigative units.
Security agencies — including the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) — have reportedly identified Sylva’s name in financial leads related to funds connected with the alleged attempt.
This information catapulted the story into nationwide discussion — but it is important to distinguish between allegations, investigations, and official charges.
What the Former Governor Says
Chief Timipre Sylva, who served as Governor of Bayelsa State and later as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, has unequivocally denied involvement in any coup plotting, orchestrating, or funding.
Through his media aide, Julius Bokoru, Sylva stated:
He was completely uninvolved in any coup attempt.
The allegations are politically motivated contentions aimed at undermining his reputation ahead of future elections.
In interviews and official statements, Sylva’s team emphasised that his political career rests on democratic engagement and support for the current government. They described the allegations as part of a broader smear campaign by political opponents, particularly in the run-up to the 2027 electoral cycle.
Additionally, Sylva himself confirmed that soldiers raided his homes in Abuja and Bayelsa State — a move that caused significant damage — but insisted that neither he nor his family were present at the time.
Security Response and Broader Implications
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) and other security agencies have been cautious in responding to these developments, frequently denying rampant rumours of a coup conspiracy while acknowledging ongoing investigations into military indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.
Investigators have arrested multiple military officers — nearly sixteen — and some sources say these personnel are set to face military justice or tribunals for their alleged involvement.
The Defence Headquarters issued a statement in late 2025, acknowledging the arrest of officers for conduct issues and a breach of military regulations, although it stopped short of a full public naming of a coup plot.
In response, President Tinubu made changes to Nigeria’s national security leadership, which analysts see as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture in the face of perceived threats.
Political Context: Why This Story Matters
Nigeria’s democratic system has, historically, weathered numerous challenges, including military coups and constitutional crises. It transitioned to democratic rule in 1999, and since then, preserving electoral integrity and civilian authority has been paramount. This makes any allegation of coup plotting especially serious.
The political timing — allegations surfacing as the country heads toward the 2027 general elections — adds another dimension to the controversy. Opponents of Sylva argue his profile and influence could threaten other political interests, while supporters maintain that allegations against him are unsubstantiated and designed to tarnish his image.
Conclusion: Facts, Rumours, and the Way Forward
At the heart of this unfolding story are several key points every reader should consider:
Security sources have linked significant transfers of money to accounts associated with a high-profile political figure amidst an alleged coup plot.
These allegations remain under investigation, and no court has convicted any politician of coup plotting to date.
The accused former governor has publicly denied any wrongdoing and insists the situation is politically motivated.
The broader security establishment continues its investigations, arrests, and internal measures to ensure national stability.
For Nigerians and political observers alike, this episode underscores the importance of transparent legal processes, factual reporting, and a commitment to upholding democratic norms, especially in times of national stress.
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