A Nigerian Army colonel accused of being involved in an alleged conspiracy to topple the government of President Bola Tinubu has revealed that his repeated failure to attain the rank of brigadier general played a major role in his actions, according to signed interrogation statements.
Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, 50, a native of Niger State, disclosed to investigators that he began seeking support for a coup in 2023, during the closing months of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
In addition to his frustration over missing out on promotion, Ma’aji pointed to the worsening security situation across the country.
He expressed his frustration with the poor welfare and living conditions of both serving and retired military personnel. He claimed the military hierarchy had failed to address these concerns.
The colonel had previously come under the radar of military authorities in 2023 after he was held overnight at the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) over allegations that some politicians were attempting to recruit him to interfere with that year’s general elections.
During the investigation, his mobile phone was confiscated for forensic examination. He was later released without facing any charges after investigators found no evidence to support the allegations.
However, following another unsuccessful bid for promotion in 2024, he said a number of junior officers encouraged him to restart the alleged plot, Vanguard reported.
“When I missed my second attempt at promotion to brigadier general in 2024, some of the boys started disturbing and calling on me that we needed to revive the movement again,” he said in his statement.
“They were afraid that I might be retired prematurely and that all of us will regret it.”
How investigators caught Ma’aji
Military authorities eventually arrested Ma’aji on September 29, 2025, after allegedly using his desire for promotion to lure him into a meeting.
According to his statement, he first received instructions to report to House 12 at Niger Barracks. Shortly afterward, the then Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, personally called him and urged him to arrive quickly so they could discuss his career prospects.
During the conversation, the army chief also asked if he had been in contact with a retired major general identified as “Bandect,” further strengthening Ma’aji’s belief that the meeting centred on his long awaited promotion.
“I drove immediately to Niger Barracks House 12 with very high morale because I was excited that my promotion issue was finally receiving attention,” he wrote.
Investigators alleged that by the time of his arrest, the suspected coup plan had progressed to include detailed operational preparations.
It already involved weapons mobilisation, fundraising efforts, logistics arrangements, and even reconnaissance of the Presidential Villa, reportedly carried out with assistance from a domestic worker inside the premises.
When the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye, arrived and requested that Ma’aji accompany him, the colonel believed he was merely assisting with an official assignment.
Instead, he was taken to the Defence Intelligence Agency headquarters, where he was interrogated over the alleged coup plot, Premium Times reported.
Charges and court martial
In his statement, Ma’aji appealed for mercy on behalf of his co-accused, arguing that their actions were motivated by “patriotism, love of country and a genuine desire to have positive change.”
Six civilians, among them two retired military officers, were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja in April, while Ma’aji and other serving military officers are currently facing trial before a court martial.
