A Nigerian Army colonel, Mohammed Ma’aji, has been identified as the alleged mastermind of a failed coup aimed at removing President Bola Tinubu from office.
Recall that the foiled coup attempt, which reportedly took place in October 2025, caused widespread tension across the country. While authorities initially dismissed the reports, the Defence Headquarters on Monday, January 26, confirmed that no fewer than 16 military officers were involved in the plot to overthrow the current administration.
Colonel M. A. Ma’aji topped the list of the 16 indicted officers released by the investigative panel, reinforcing earlier claims that he played a leading role in the failed coup.
Below are key facts about the prime suspect:
- Colonel Ma’aji previously served as a security adviser to Timi Sylva during the 2015 Bayelsa State governorship election.
- He was born in 1976 to Nupe parents in Niger State.
- He is a member of Regular Course 47 of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
- Ma’aji served as the Commanding Officer of the 19 Battalion in Okitipupa, Ondo State.
- In 2017, he was transferred to Koko, the headquarters of Warri North Local Government Area in Delta State.
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