REVEALED: How Coup Plot Against Tinubu Was Revived

Fresh Documents Reveal How Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu Was Revived
Colonel Ma’aji reportedly helped fund and revive the alleged movement.
Several defendants are facing military and Federal High Court proceedings.

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

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the documents, reviewed by PREMIUM TIMES, reportedly contain more than 7,400 pages of bank statements, hotel receipts, electronic communications and interrogation records gathered by military investigators.

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 wrongdoing.

According to a statement attributed to Ma’aji, discussions about military intervention began in 2023 amid concerns over insecurity, corruption and economic hardship.

He said the alleged movement was initially suspended because of inadequate funding, logistics and manpower, with much of the early financing reportedly coming from his personal resources and contributions from other members.

Ma’aji claimed he sold three houses in Kaduna State and a student hostel at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, to finance activities linked to the group.

The documents indicate that the alleged movement was revived after Ma’aji failed to secure promotion to brigadier general for a second time in 2024.

He said Lieutenant Colonel Shamsuddeen Bappah was among those who pushed for the revival, with meetings later held at hotels in Abuja.

Ma’aji, however, said the alleged movement was driven mainly by dissatisfaction with fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate reforms, taxation, electricity tariffs, corruption and insecurity.

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

Several serving officers are now facing court martial proceedings, while six other defendants are being prosecuted at the Federal High Court.

The admissibility of some statements obtained during the investigation has also become a major issue, with some defendants alleging that their statements were not made voluntarily.

The court has ordered a trial within trial to determine whether the disputed statements were obtained voluntarily.

Former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva has also denied allegations that he financed the alleged plot.

The allegations remain subject to judicial determination.