Exclusive: Nigerian Air Force Officer, Linked to Ex-Governor Sylva, Detained Over Alleged Coup Plot

A Nigerian Air Force officer, identified as Squadron Leader Noel Godday Zuzu, is among the military personnel detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency over an alleged plot to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu, SaharaReporters has learned.

Zuzu, reportedly a relative of former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva, was arrested on October 4, 2025. He was attached to the 053 Headquarters NAF Camp in Abuja prior to his detention. Military sources describe him as a relative of the former governor, who is also under investigation and currently evading authorities.

The case came to public attention after operatives raided Sylva’s Abuja residence. Sylva has denied involvement, calling the allegations politically motivated.

Zuzu is listed among 36 individuals detained in connection with the alleged coup plot. The group includes a Brigadier General, two Colonels, five Lieutenant Colonels, eight Majors, and several other officers and non-commissioned officers from across the Army, Air Force, and Navy.

A review of the detainee list shows that while two officers are from southern states Zuzu from Bayelsa and another captain from Osun the remaining 34 are from northern states, including the Federal Capital Territory.

Families of the detained personnel have expressed growing concern over what they call inhumane treatment, prolonged detention without communication, and denial of access to legal representation and relatives.

This development follows an earlier statement from the Defence Headquarters acknowledging that allegations of plotting to overthrow the government were part of the findings against some of the detained officers, despite previous official denials of a coup plot.

The investigation remains ongoing.