Colonel Accused of Coup Plot Claims Patriotism Drives Actions

Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, who is accused of being involved in an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu, stated that his motivations were rooted in patriotism and concern for Nigeria's deteriorating conditions. He cited economic hardship, poor governance, and declining welfare among Nigerians and military personnel as key factors influencing his actions.

Ma’aji expressed his struggles to support his five children on his salary, which heightened his worries about the nation's direction. He also raised issues regarding the inadequate care for wounded soldiers at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna.

Ma’aji claimed that the alleged coup plan involved mobilizing like-minded officers, but he maintained that the group had not reached the execution stage prior to his arrest. He mentioned that he personally financed much of the plan, with Timipre Silva contributing approximately N400 million, and denied any foreign involvement or fixed date for the operation.