Colonel Ma’aji Linked to Coup Plot Against Tinubu

Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji, a senior Nigerian Army infantry officer, has been implicated in a coup attempt against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration in 2025. His involvement was revealed following the arrest of several military officers in September 2025, leading to a special investigative panel indicting 16 officers.

Ma’aji is accused of being a key strategist and coordinating logistics for the alleged coup. He was arrested in September 2025 and remains detained as legal proceedings unfold.

In April 2026, he filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, contesting his detention and seeking release and compensation for violations of his rights. Born on March 1, 1976, in Niger, Ma’aji joined the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1995 and rose through the ranks, becoming a colonel in 2017.

At the time of his arrest, he was the Commanding Officer of the 19 Battalion in Okitipupa, Ondo, and previously served in various operational roles, including as a security adviser during the 2015 Bayelsa State governorship election.