Investigations into the alleged plot to remove President Bola Tinubu from office have pointed to two individuals who are believed to have provided money to support the scheme.

According to Premium Times, a total of N835 million was reportedly funneled through two private companies to aid the alleged conspiracy.

Former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva is said to have allegedly contributed the largest portion, N785 million, through an Abuja-based construction firm called Purple Waves Limited.

The company’s secretary, John Ebokpo, has been detained by security agencies as part of the ongoing investigation.

Mr. Sylva, who previously served as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources under former President Muhammadu Buhari, remains at large and is alleged to be the main financier of the failed plan.

Records from the Corporate Affairs Commission do not show Mr. Sylva as a director or shareholder in Purple Waves Limited, which was registered in March 2009 for construction and maintenance work.

The second person identified, Moses Zakwa, is said to have contributed N50 million through Clay Ring Services Limited, a Lagos-based property management and renovation company where he is listed as a director.

Little information is available about him, though a person with the same name led a peaceful protest in 2014 advocating for the release of abducted schoolgirls in Borno State.

It is unclear if this is the same individual currently under investigation.

Authorities have confirmed that 40 suspects, including senior military officers, a police officer, and civilians, are being held for alleged involvement in reconnaissance, funding, and planning activities linked to the coup.

Some civilians have been released on bail, while others remain in custody under the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the State Security Service.

Retired Major General Adamu is also believed to be part of the network and remains at large alongside Mr. Sylva.

Intelligence reports indicate that at least one fleeing suspect has been traced to South America, though the exact location has not been disclosed.

The alleged coup was initially planned to coincide with the presidential inauguration on May 29, 2023, but the attempt was postponed due to a lack of funds and resources.

Investigators say the plan was resumed in 2025 after Mr. Sylva’s funds were reportedly transferred.

The plot allegedly involved Colonel Alhassan Maaji and other military officers, who planned to eliminate top government officials and seize control of key installations including the Presidential Villa, the Armed Forces Complex, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

Security agencies have since recovered weapons, tactical gear, vehicles, and funds linked to the operation.

Investigations have been completed and forwarded to relevant authorities, with security agencies awaiting approval to formally set up a court-martial panel to try the military officers involved.