Alleged Coup Plot: Military Witness Links Timipre Sylva to Suspects

A prosecution witness on Wednesday told a Federal High Court in Abuja that investigations uncovered financial links between former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, and individuals accused of plotting to overthrow the government.

The witness, a member of the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police, testified under anonymity as the fourth prosecution witness in the trial before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

He told the court that intelligence reports received by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. O.O. Oluyede, led to the investigation of an alleged coup plot targeting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to the witness, forensic analysis of a mobile phone recovered from a key suspect, Col. M.A. Ma’aji, revealed communications and financial transactions linking several defendants and the former governor.

“We also found financial trails between Ma’aji, former Governor Timipre Sylva and some of the defendants before the court,” the witness said.

The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge against six defendants, including retired senior military officers and civilians, bordering on treason, terrorism financing, and failure to disclose security intelligence.

Although Sylva is not listed among the defendants in the charge, the prosecution identified him as being at large.

The witness further told the court that investigators recovered documents detailing alleged operational plans, including targeted attacks, restructuring of government institutions, and planned appointments following the purported coup.

He added that financial records obtained with the assistance of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) showed multiple transactions allegedly used to fund the plot through a company identified as Purple Wave.

The court also heard that several meetings linked to the alleged conspiracy were held in Abuja, where participants reportedly discussed regime change and coordinated activities.

During the proceedings, the prosecution tendered documentary evidence, including bank statements, hotel records, and digital materials extracted from the suspect’s device. Some of the exhibits were admitted, while others drew objections from defence counsel.

Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case to May 4 and May 5 for continuation of hearing, with the prosecution expected to resume examination of the witness.