The circumstances surrounding the arrest of Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, the alleged leader of a foiled plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, have emerged, revealing how military authorities reportedly used his long-standing promotion ambition to draw him into custody.
Details from documents linked to the ongoing investigation showed that the senior army officer believed he had finally been invited to discuss his promotion to the rank of brigadier general.
Instead, the meeting reportedly led to his arrest and the commencement of an extensive investigation into an alleged coup conspiracy.
Colonel Ma’aji, who had reportedly sought promotion on multiple occasions without success, is among serving military officers facing trial over allegations of involvement in a plan to unseat the government.
How The Arrest Was Carried Out
According to accounts contained in investigation records, the officer received a call directing him to report to a residence within the Niger Barracks.
The invitation was allegedly linked to discussions concerning his stalled promotion.
Ma’aji stated that he was later contacted directly and encouraged to attend the meeting without delay.
The conversation, he said, reinforced his belief that military authorities were finally prepared to address concerns about his career progression.
“I drove immediately to Niger Barracks House 12 with very high morale because I was excited that my promotion issue was finally receiving attention,” he reportedly stated.
The officer explained that discussions at the meeting initially focused on his service record, performance and the reasons his promotion had not materialised.
According to him, he was assured that his promotion concerns would be addressed.
However, the situation reportedly changed when the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye, arrived at the venue.
Ma’aji said the intelligence chief requested that he accompany him to collect a message intended for a retired senior military officer.
Believing he was carrying out a routine assignment, he followed the directive and drove behind the intelligence chief to the Defence Intelligence Agency headquarters.
Upon arrival, he discovered that the visit had a different purpose.
“It was there he started asking me about the plot involving myself, Lt. Felix, Lt. Col. Bappah and others,” he reportedly stated.
The officer said he initially denied any involvement. Investigators, however, informed him that one of the alleged conspirators had already been arrested while another suspect had gone into hiding.
“That was how the investigation commenced on 29 September 2025 till today,” he said.
Alleged Plot Revived After Promotion Setback
Investigators were also told that Ma’aji had become increasingly frustrated after repeatedly missing promotion opportunities.
The officer reportedly said he first began discussing the idea of a military takeover around 2023.
He claimed concerns over insecurity, poor welfare and conditions affecting serving and retired personnel influenced his thinking.
According to his account, the movement lost momentum for a period but was revived after another unsuccessful promotion attempt in 2024.
“When I missed my second attempt at promotion to brigadier general in 2024, some of the boys started disturbing and calling on me that we needed to revive the movement again,” he reportedly stated.
“They were afraid that I might be retired prematurely and that all of us will regret it.”
The documents indicated that plans linked to the alleged conspiracy had advanced significantly before his arrest.
Investigators believe discussions had already taken place regarding logistics, funding, mobilisation and operational arrangements.
Appeal For Mercy
In statements made during interrogation, Ma’aji reportedly appealed to authorities to show leniency towards other suspects linked to the case.
He said those involved had reflected on their actions during the investigation and acknowledged mistakes.
The officer maintained that their intentions were not driven by personal enrichment.
According to him, the actions were motivated by “patriotism, love of country and a genuine desire to have positive change.”
He also used the opportunity to raise concerns about conditions within the armed forces.
The officer described growing hardship among personnel and pointed to issues such as accommodation challenges, declining morale and welfare concerns.
He urged military authorities to create channels through which officers and soldiers could express grievances without fear of punishment.
Trial Of Suspects Continues
The alleged coup plot first came to public attention after reports emerged that several military officers had been arrested and detained over plans to overthrow the federal government.
Subsequent investigations expanded the list of suspects to include serving officers, retired military personnel, civilians and a police officer.
The case later led to changes within the country’s security structure, including significant changes in military leadership and the cancellation of the Independence Day parade held annually on October 1.
The Defence Headquarters eventually confirmed that investigations uncovered an alleged plot against the government and announced that implicated officers would face military judicial proceedings.
While serving military personnel are being tried before a court martial, several civilians and retired officers have been charged before the Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged roles in the conspiracy.