Former Petroleum Minister, Timipre Sylva, has reportedly fled Nigeria to Senegal, allegedly en route to Argentina, after being linked to a military coup plot aimed at toppling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government.
According to insiders, Sylva escaped through the creeks immediately after learning that the coup plan had leaked.
Reports say he owns several businesses in Senegal and Argentina, and had allegedly been lobbying to become Nigeria’s Ambassador to Argentina before the scandal broke.
Sources close to the investigation revealed that the first arrested military officer in connection with the plot allegedly named Sylva as the arrowhead and financier of the operation. It was also disclosed that ₦46 billion was traced to an account reportedly linked to him.
His Abuja residence was raided by officials of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), leading to the arrest of his brother, Paga Sylva.
Earlier, his Bayelsa home was also raided, where officials allegedly found incriminating documents and cash in foreign currencies.
Sylva is said to have provided financial backing for the alleged coup attempt.
