Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji reveals motives behind alleged Nigerian coup plot
Nigerian Army Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji has detailed the motivations behind an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Ma’aji claims the movement was driven by patriotism and a desire to address the country’s decline, rather than personal ambition.
According to Ma’aji, discussions regarding military intervention began in 2023 during the final stages of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure. He cited worsening insecurity, corruption, nepotism, and severe economic hardships—including fuel subsidy removal, currency reforms, and rising electricity tariffs—as primary drivers of discontent among officers.
Ma’aji stated that the plot was initially hindered by a lack of sufficient funding, manpower, and logistics. He alleged that he personally financed much of the early stages, with other officers contributing funds, including one major who reportedly provided 1 million Naira.
While the Federal Government has filed charges against six individuals in civilian court, Ma’aji and more than 30 serving military personnel are facing separate proceedings in a military court-martial. Ma’aji also highlighted concerns regarding the welfare of military personnel, specifically alleging inadequate medical care for wounded soldiers at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna.
Entities
Bola Tinubu · Mohammed Ma’aji · Muhammadu Buhari · Nigeria · Nigerian Army
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Ma’aji cited inadequate care for wounded soldiers at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna. tribuneonlineng.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Discussions regarding military intervention began in 2023 during the end of Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. dailyreport.ng · footynaija.com.ng · thenicheng.com · tribuneonlineng.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] An Army major reportedly contributed 1 million Naira toward the early stages of the project. dailyreport.ng · footynaija.com.ng · thenicheng.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The alleged plot was previously shelved due to shortages in funding, logistics, and manpower. dailyreport.ng · footynaija.com.ng · thenicheng.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Ma’aji and over 30 serving military personnel are facing a separate military court-martial. thenicheng.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Economic grievances included fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange reforms, taxation, and electricity tariffs. dailyreport.ng · footynaija.com.ng · thenicheng.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Federal Government filed 13 charges against six individuals accused of participating in the coup plot. thenicheng.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The alleged coup plot was motivated by patriotism and a desire for positive national change rather than personal ambition. dailyreport.ng · footynaija.com.ng · thenicheng.com · tribuneonlineng.com