Relative Of Timipre Sylva Among Those Detained Over Coup Plot Against Tinubu

A Nigerian Air Force Officer, Noel Godday Zuzu, who is a relative of former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, is one of the military officers detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for allegedly planning a coup d’etat to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.

Military sources who spoke to Sahara Reporters disclosed that Zuzu, a Squadron Leader (Air Force equivalent of a Major in the Nigerian Army), is also from Bayelsa State.

He is reported to be a relative of the former governor and allegedly joined the Nigerian Air Force through his connection.

“He is a relative of Sylva, yes, that former Bayelsa State governor said to be a major financier. I think he’s his nephew, but I’m not sure of that, but they are relatives,” a military source said.

Before his arrest on October 4, 2025, he was attached to 053 HQ NAF Camp Abuja.

The graduate of Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, is from Agudama in the South-South state.

Zuzu is number 17 on an exclusive list of 36 detainees, including a police Inspector, Ahmed Ibrahim, obtained by the aforementioned publication.

Among the military officers detained are: an Army Brigadier General, 2 Colonels, 5 Lieutenant Colonels, 1 Wing Commander (Air Force equivalent of a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army), 8 Majors, 1 Lieutenant Commander (Navy equivalent of a Major in the Army), 2 Squadron Leaders, 5 Captains, and a Lieutenant.

Also in detention are 10 non-commissioned officers (NCOs), including a Warrant Officer, 5 Sergeants, one Corporal, and two Lance Corporals.