BREAKING NEWS: Meet The Nigerian Military Coup Plotter Colonel Ma’aji: ‘Who Was Responsible For Transferring Funds To Co-Plotters’ – Source

Military investigators have identified Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji as a principal figure in the foiled coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Premium Times has reported.

Apart from allegedly orchestrating the scheme, sources say Ma’aji is believed to have financed parts of the operation, making him a central figure in the probe.

According to military insiders, the first arrests connected to the plot began in late September 2025, when senior officers suspected of involvement were apprehended, including Ma’aji. By early October of that year, a total of 16 officers had been detained in connection with the alleged conspiracy.

Initially, military authorities were reluctant to publicly acknowledge a coup plot, stating that the suspects were under investigation for “indiscipline and breach of service regulations.”

However, as pressure mounted, the military later confirmed the plot and said that those involved would face trial.

In the wake of the allegations, President Tinubu sacked several service chiefs, retaining only Olufemi Oluyede and Emmanuel Undiandeye. Oluyede, previously Chief of Army Staff, was appointed Chief of Defence Staff, replacing Christopher Musa. Undiandeye remained Chief of Defence Intelligence.

In a subsequent development, amidst tension over external comments on Nigeria’s internal security, General Musa was brought back into government as Minister of Defence, replacing Muhammed Badaru, who cited health reasons for his resignation.
Ma’aji’s Alleged Role In The Plot

Military sources told Premium Times that Ma’aji played a strategic role, coordinating planning and logistics. One official said Ma’aji’s earlier attempts to secure a posting to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) might have been part of the broader plan.

“There was a time he was seeking powerful connections to secure a posting to the ONSA,” a source said, suggesting it may have been part of the plan.

Investigators allege Ma’aji was responsible for moving funds to co‑plotters. “He was responsible for transferring funds to co-plotters,” the source said.

Financial trails linked him to transactions involving Timi Sylva, former governor of Bayelsa State, with whom Ma’aji is believed to have developed ties during his years of service in the Niger Delta.

Following the arrest of Ma’aji and others, authorities reportedly searched Sylva’s residence in Abuja, raising questions about possible civilian involvement.

Sylva’s spokesperson, Julius Bokoru, denied any involvement, describing the former governor as “an unrepentant and thoroughbred democrat” who has supported President Tinubu.

Sources familiar with proceedings described Ma’aji as emotionally detached and unrepentant, with little visible remorse as investigations continue. One insider said he was not fully cooperating with investigators.

Profile: Who Is Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji?

Born March 1, 1976, Ma’aji hails from Edati Local Government Area of Niger State and is of Nupe origin. He enlisted in the Nigerian Army on August 18, 1995, and completed his training on September 16, 2000, as a member of the 47 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).

Ma’aji built much of his operational experience in the Niger Delta, a region that later became central to his professional network. He participated in Operation Crocodile Smile II in 2017.

Over the years, he also served at the Depot Nigerian Army, became Commander of Operation Delta Safe, and held other sensitive operational posts. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 2013 and to colonel in 2017.

At the time of his arrest, the 49‑year‑old officer was serving as Commanding Officer of the 19 Battalion, Nigerian Army, in Okitipupa, Ondo State.