Military investigators have identified Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, a senior Nigerian Army officer, as the main mastermind behind the foiled coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Security sources who spoke with Premium Times revealed that Ma’aji not only coordinated the plot but also allegedly financed it, with funds linked to a former governor.
According to findings by Premium Times, the coup was initially planned for May 29, 2023, Nigeria’s Democracy Day and the date of Tinubu’s inauguration, but was aborted due to poor logistics and funding challenges.
However, the plan was reactivated in 2025, after nearly ₦1 billion was reportedly transferred in tranches by former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, through a Bureau De Change operator.
Sylva’s residence in Abuja was later searched by military operatives. While denying involvement, his media aide, Julius Bokoru, described the ex-governor as “an unrepentant and thoroughbred democrat.”
The alleged plot included plans to simultaneously assassinate President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. Other targets included the service chiefs and commanders of key military formations.
A source said, “They have people inside the Villa who monitor the movements of these officials. The plan was to kill them at the same time and install a military government.”
How Intelligence Saved The Day
The operation to foil the plot was jointly coordinated by the Army Headquarters and the Department of State Services (DSS) in late September 2025. A whistleblower within the military reportedly alerted the then Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede.
DSS Director-General Oluwatosin Ajayi was said to have confirmed the intelligence, leading to the launch of a joint covert operation across different states.
Sixteen suspects were initially arrested, including Ma’aji, and detained at the underground facility of the Defence Intelligence Agency. One suspect later escaped but was rearrested in Bauchi.
President Tinubu, who was reportedly visibly shaken after being briefed, promptly cancelled the 2025 Independence Day parade. He also set up a special investigation panel chaired by the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye.
The panel’s investigation led to more arrests and further revelations, prompting the President to sack the then Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as well as the service chiefs for the Navy and Air Force.
General Oluyede was appointed CDS, while Gen. Musa was later named Minister of Defence following the resignation of Muhammed Badaru on health grounds.
Colonel Ma’aji’s Military Profile
Ma’aji, a native of Niger State, was born on March 1, 1976. A graduate of the 47 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, he was commissioned into the infantry and served in multiple sensitive operations.
He led Operation Delta Safe and was Commanding Officer of the 19 Battalion in Okitipupa, Ondo State, before his arrest. His military record includes participation in Operation Crocodile Smile II in the Niger Delta.
Sources said Ma’aji, described as “emotionally detached” and “unrepentant,” has not cooperated with investigators.
Initially denying the coup claims, the Defence Headquarters admitted in January 2026 that officers plotted to overthrow the Tinubu government.
It stated, “The findings revealed a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government. Such conduct is inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards of the Armed Forces.”
