Colonel Accused of Coup Plot Says Economic Hardship Drove His Actions

Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, who is accused of involvement in an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, said his actions were motivated by concern about economic hardship, poor governance and declining welfare for Nigerians and military personnel. Ma’aji said his difficulty providing for his five children on his salary, alongside concerns about the treatment of wounded soldiers, deepened his belief that the country was on a dangerous path. He also criticised the removal of fuel subsidy and called for improved pay, pensions, education support and safer channels for officers to raise grievances. He claimed the group was still trying to mobilise like-minded officers when he was arrested and had not fixed a date to execute any operation. He also alleged that Timipre Sylva contributed about ₦400 million to the plan, denied foreign involvement, and appealed for leniency, insisting the alleged plot was not intended to destabilise Nigeria.

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