Failed Coup plot: Alleged mastermind unveiled
The military investigators have identified Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji of the Nigerian Army as the major leader of the botched coup plot and also believed to have bankrolled the process to topple President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Penpushing reports that investigation had earlier revealed that the alleged coup plotters had plan to eliminate President Bola Tinubu and some other key players in his administration, which include Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
The latest update on investigations showed that Ma’aji played a key role as a strategist in the coup plot, coordinating planning and logistics, as source added that he was strategic in his planning, citing his earlier efforts to be posted to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
“There was a time he was seeking powerful connections to secure a posting to the ONSA, believing that it may be part of the plan. He was responsible for transferring funds to co-plotters’, the source added
Penpushing further reports that the source added that one of the transactions under scrutiny is reportedly connected to former governor of Bayelsa State, Timi Sylva, with whom Ma’aji is believed to have maintained a long-standing relationship from his years of service in the Niger Delta.
The sources, however, stated that those who have interacted with Ma’aji since his arrest described him as unrepentant and emotionally detached, showing little visible remorse as investigations continue.
Penpushing also reports that another source said the arrested colonel whose service number is N/10668, and born on March 1, 1976, a Nupe native from Edati Local Government of Niger State, was not cooperating with investigators.
The 49-year=old officer began his military training on August 18, 1995 and completed it on September 16,2000 as a member of the 47 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), who built much of his operational experience in the Niger Delta, an oil-rich region that later became central to his professional and political networks.
Penpushing reports that he participated in Operation Crocodile Smile II in 2017, a major Nigerian Army exercise designed to address militancy, oil theft and insecurity in the Niger Delta and parts of the South-West.
The alleged ringleader of the failed coup plot also served at the Depot Nigerian Army, later becoming Commander, Operation Delta Safe, and at different times held sensitive operational responsibilities.
Penpushing further reports that he was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 2013 and to full colonel in 2017, and at the time of his arrest, was serving as the Commanding Officer of the 19 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Okitipupa, Ondo State.
The source explained that following Ma’aji arrest and his alleged co-plotters, investigators searched the residence of the former Governor in Abuja, raising suspicions about his involvement as a civilian collaborator in the foiled coup.
Penpushing also reports that spokesperson of the former Governor, Julius Bokoru, in a statement, denied his principal’s involvement in the matter, describing his boss as an unrepentant and thoroughbred democrat who has consistently supported President Tinubu.
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