I decided to overthrow Tinubu because I was denied promotion twice – Coup plot suspect

Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, a key suspect in Nigeria’s alleged coup plot against President Tinubu, has told investigators that repeated denial of promotion to brigadier general drove him to plan a military takeover, and that he was ultimately lured into custody through a fake promotion meeting.

Passed over for promotion not once, but twice — and that, according to Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, is where it all began.

In interrogation statements obtained by Premium Times, Ma’aji says his frustration with Nigeria’s military hierarchy started brewing near the end of the Buhari administration, when he was denied advancement to brigadier general despite believing he’d earned it. By 2023, he was reportedly canvassing support for a takeover, driven — he claims — by anger over worsening insecurity and poor welfare for troops.

Sahara Reporters reports that investigators caught wind of his activities that same year, hauling him in over fears politicians might use him to disrupt the general elections. His phone was seized, nothing was found, and he walked free with an apology.

But a second promotion snub in 2024 reportedly hardened his resolve. “Some of the boys started disturbing,” he told investigators, worried he’d be forced into early retirement.

The end came in dramatic fashion on September 29, 2025. Ma’aji says he was summoned to Niger Barracks by the then Chief of Army Staff’s office, told his long-awaited promotion was finally being discussed — even handed $1,000 in “welfare support.” Moments later, he was redirected to the Defence Intelligence Agency under the guise of delivering a message, only to be confronted with the full coup allegations, including his alleged links to Lieutenant S.S. Felix and Lieutenant Colonel Shamsuddeen Bappah.

Ma’aji has appealed for leniency for co-accused suspects and insists the plot was driven by patriotism, not personal gain. He’s also called for better military welfare and internal channels for airing grievances.

The alleged plot first surfaced in October 2025, when SaharaReporters reported 16 senior officers had been arrested. The fallout has since triggered a major military reshuffle and the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade.