In a statement released from military custody on Monday, Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, accused of masterminding an alleged plot to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu, admitted to his involvement while pleading for official leniency.
Colonel Ma’aji, who remains in detention awaiting ongoing military judicial proceedings, expressed regret over his actions while maintaining that his motives were rooted in concern for the nation rather than personal ambition.
”My actions were driven purely by deep patriotism and profound frustration over the worsening socio-economic conditions facing our nation. It was never out of personal ambition, but out of a desire to see a better, more stable Nigeria,” Colonel Ma’aji stated through a representative on Monday morning in Abuja.
He made an appeal to the Armed Forces Council and the Presidency for clemency and understanding. He asserted that mounting hardship across the country influenced his judgment.
Colonel Ma’aji reiterated that he holds no personal hostility toward President Bola Tinubu or the constitutional order.
The investigation into the alleged plot, first uncovered by military intelligence in late September 2025 led to the arrest of multiple service personnel across various branches of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
According to military authorities, officers indicted by the investigative panel are undergoing proceedings in line with service regulations.
The Special Court Martial sitting at the Military Officers’ Mess, Asokoro, Abuja, Indicted over 16 officers, including senior commanders across the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, and Nigerian Air Force.
Speaking on behalf of the High Command, Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Samaila Uba, confirmed that investigations were concluded and that all indicted officers would face trial under the Armed Forces Act.
Speaking at a media briefing at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, defence officials emphasized that the military remains strictly committed to democratic governance and constitutional rule.
”The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain completely loyal to the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Unconstitutional acts or breaches of service discipline will be met with the full weight of military law,” declared Brigadier General Samaila Uba.
Proceedings at the military panel in Abuja are set to continue as legal teams prepare their cases for the upcoming court-martial sessions.
