Colonel Ma’aji has revealed the reasons behind alleged coup plot against Tinubu.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Nigerian Army Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji has disclosed the grievances that allegedly motivated a plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
According to a report by Premium Times, Ma’aji identified worsening insecurity, corruption and economic hardship among the concerns discussed by those allegedly involved in the failed coup attempt.
The colonel reportedly made the disclosures in statements submitted during a military investigation into the alleged plot.
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Ma’aji said discussions about military intervention began in 2023, towards the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
“Things particularly got out of control towards the end of Buhari’s administration when corruption and nepotism became the order of the day,” he stated.
He alleged that insecurity had spread across several parts of northern Nigeria, resulting in increased cases of kidnapping, banditry and the loss of civilian and military lives.
Ma’aji argued that senior military authorities should have responded more forcefully to the deteriorating security situation. He claimed that those behind the alleged movement subsequently began identifying officers who shared similar concerns about the country.
“Most of the officers involved share the same sense of patriotism, love of country and genuine desire for positive change,” he wrote.
The colonel further disclosed that the alleged plan was initially suspended because of insufficient funding, logistics and manpower. He claimed that much of the early financing came from his personal resources, including proceeds from the sale of some of his properties.
According to him, an Army major contributed ₦1 million, while another officer allegedly provided United States dollars on several occasions.
Ma’aji said the alleged plot was revived after he failed for a second time to secure promotion to the rank of brigadier general in 2024.
He maintained, however, that the unsuccessful promotion attempts were not the principal motivation for the alleged movement.
The colonel also cited dissatisfaction with the removal of the fuel subsidy, exchange-rate reforms, multiple taxation, electricity tariff increases, corruption and widespread insecurity.
He referred to the authorities’ handling of demonstrations such as the #EndSARS and #EndBadGovernance protests, claiming that many young Nigerians had become increasingly frustrated by unemployment, economic hardship and a lack of opportunities.
Ma’aji is among the serving military officers reportedly facing trial before a court-martial over the alleged coup plot. He and other defendants have denied wrongdoing, while the admissibility of some statements obtained during the investigation remains contested.
The allegations have not established the guilt of Ma’aji or any other defendant. Their guilt or innocence will be determined through the ongoing judicial proceedings.
