We plotted to topple Tinubu’s govt because Nigeria was near collapse – Colonel Ma’aji

Fresh court documents have provided new details on how an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration was conceived, funded and later revived before security agencies disrupted it in September 2025.

The documents, comprising more than 7,400 pages of bank statements, hotel receipts, electronic communications, interrogation records and other materials, were reportedly reviewed by PREMIUM TIMES.

At the centre of the alleged conspiracy is Nigerian Army Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, who investigators identified as one of the principal figures behind the alleged plot.

Ma’aji and several serving military officers are facing proceedings before a General Court Martial, while six retired military personnel and civilians are being prosecuted separately at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

All the defendants have denied the allegations.

How The Alleged Plot Began

In an extrajudicial statement attributed to him, Ma’aji told investigators that discussions about military intervention began in 2023, towards the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

He reportedly cited insecurity, corruption, economic hardship and alleged poor governance as some of the grievances discussed by members of the group.

According to the statement, the group began identifying military officers who shared similar concerns and could potentially participate in the alleged plan.

Ma’aji claimed the initial effort was eventually shelved because of inadequate funding, logistics and manpower.

He said much of the early financing came from his personal resources, including proceeds from the sale of some of his properties.

The colonel allegedly told investigators that he sold three houses in Kaduna State and a student hostel at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, to finance activities connected with the group.

He also claimed that an Army major contributed N1 million, while another officer provided funds in foreign currency on several occasions.

Alleged Revival After Failed Promotion

Ma’aji said the alleged movement was revived after he failed for a second time to secure promotion to the rank of brigadier general in 2024.

He claimed some officers subsequently contacted him and urged him to revive the plan.

According to him, Lieutenant Colonel Shamsuddeen Bappah was particularly active in pushing for the alleged revival and travelled from Ibadan to Abuja to persuade him to continue with the plan.

The documents indicate that meetings involving some of the alleged conspirators were subsequently held at different locations in Abuja, including Brookville Hotel and Greenland Hotel in Lokogoma.

Ma’aji, however, maintained that his failed promotion was not the primary motivation behind the alleged plan.

He instead cited issues including fuel subsidy removal, naira reforms, taxation, electricity tariffs, corruption, insecurity and unemployment.

Alleged Plans For Military Takeover

In the statement, Ma’aji allegedly disclosed details of plans being discussed by members of the group, including the possible mobilisation of troops and other personnel.

He said some individuals were expected to provide manpower, weapons, ammunition and vehicles, although he maintained that the alleged team had not been fully constituted.

He also claimed that no specific date had been agreed for the alleged operation.

According to the statement, September 27 and October 1, as well as a date about a month later, had been discussed as possible dates, but no final decision was reached.

Ma’aji further alleged that there were plans to place the service chiefs under arrest during the proposed operation.

He also mentioned discussions involving personnel from military formations and the Civilian Joint Task Force, although he said several aspects of the alleged plan remained incomplete.

Timipre Sylva Allegedly Mentioned

Ma’aji’s statement also mentioned former Bayelsa State Governor and former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva.

He allegedly claimed that Sylva contributed about N400 million to the movement.

However, Sylva has denied any involvement in planning, funding or logistics relating to an alleged coup attempt.

His spokesperson previously described him as a committed democrat and said he had no connection with the alleged plot.

Five people associated with Sylva are facing separate charges over allegations that they concealed his whereabouts, while nine properties linked to him are under an interim forfeiture order.

Court Challenge Over Statements

The alleged statements obtained from some of the suspects have become a major issue in the ongoing proceedings.

Several defendants have alleged that their extrajudicial statements were not made voluntarily and have asked the courts to reject them.

The prosecution has disputed the claims and maintained that proper procedures were followed during the investigations.

The court consequently ordered a trial-within-trial in some proceedings to determine whether the disputed statements were made voluntarily before deciding whether they can be admitted as evidence.

Ma’aji was arrested on September 29, 2025, shortly before the Federal Government cancelled the October 1 Independence Day parade.

The Defence Headquarters initially described the detention of the officers as part of an internal process aimed at maintaining discipline and professionalism before later acknowledging an alleged plot and confirming that indicted personnel would face military judicial proceedings.

In April, the Federal Government filed 13 counts against six defendants at the Federal High Court in Abuja. They include retired Major-General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Presidential Villa electrician Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni and Islamic cleric Abdulkadir Sani.

The defendants pleaded not guilty.

Meanwhile, Ma’aji and other serving officers are facing separate court-martial proceedings.

The allegations contained in the documents remain subject to judicial determination, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by the courts.

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