Security Agencies Trace ₦46bn to Account Linked to Former Petroleum Minister
By Lagos Panorama News Desk
Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has reportedly fled Nigeria amid allegations of financing a plot to topple President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Flight Through the Creeks
Reliable security sources told Lagos Panorama that the former minister escaped through the Niger Delta creeks to Senegal, from where he is allegedly making arrangements to relocate to Argentina. Sylva is said to own multiple business interests in both countries.
“He fled immediately he learned that the coup plot had leaked,” a senior intelligence officer disclosed.
₦46bn Traced, Homes Raided
The alleged plot thickened after investigators reportedly traced about ₦46 billion to an account linked to the former minister.
Operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) subsequently raided Sylva’s Abuja residence, arresting his brother, Paga Sylva, for questioning. Earlier, the Bayelsa home of the former governor had also been searched, with officials said to have discovered “incriminating documents and foreign currencies.”
A top military officer arrested in connection with the alleged coup reportedly confessed that Sylva was a key financier and coordinator of the operation.
Government Tight-Lipped
When contacted, officials of the Defence Headquarters and Department of State Services (DSS) declined to confirm or deny the development, saying investigations were ongoing.
A senior government source told Lagos Panorama: “No one, no matter how highly placed, will be spared if found complicit in any act that threatens Nigeria’s democracy.”
Editor’s Note
As of press time, Chief Timipre Sylva has not responded to multiple requests for comment. Lagos Panorama continues to monitor this developing story as security agencies intensify investigations into the alleged coup network.
