Nigerian Army Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, accused of involvement in an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has told investigators that his actions were motivated by patriotism and frustration over the worsening conditions in the country.
Ma’aji’s account is contained in fresh court records detailing how investigators allege that a group of military officers and civilians developed, suspended and later revived plans to remove the government.
The Defence Headquarters said on Monday that it would not comment on the details because the matter was before the courts.
Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen Samaila Uba, said any comment could amount to sub judice.
In his statement, Ma’aji apologised for his alleged involvement and appealed to the authorities for leniency, insisting that he was not motivated by personal ambition but by a desire to see Nigeria become a more prosperous and functional country.
He said concerns over poor governance, insecurity, inadequate welfare for military personnel and declining living standards contributed to the discussions that eventually led to the alleged plot.
Ma’aji said the situation had become so troubling that he feared the country was heading towards collapse.
“What has happened has a very long history, and it is driven by patriotism and I love the job and country,” he said.
“Every time I look at how I’m struggling to raise five children with my meagre salary, I get worried. Looking at every aspect of life in Nigeria, there is no hope for the common man, and we are left to defend ourselves.
“This has nothing to do with any ambition or personal goals. It is purely out of the desire for a prosperous country that works for everyone.”
The colonel also raised concerns about the welfare of military personnel, particularly soldiers wounded during operations, as well as the challenges faced by serving personnel and their families.
According to his account, the alleged movement was still at the stage of mobilisation and discussions when security authorities intervened, and no specific date had been agreed for any action.
He denied the involvement of foreign collaborators, saying different individuals became involved at various stages of the discussions. Some, he said, expressed concerns about the state of the country, while others withdrew or failed to provide resources they had initially promised.
Ma’aji also linked his involvement to frustrations over being twice overlooked for promotion to the rank of brigadier-general.
He said some colleagues encouraged him to revive the movement following the second setback.
The colonel said the initial planning began during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. However, he said his detention had changed his perspective and made him realise that grievances could be expressed through lawful channels within the military.
“If God willing, the authority is kind enough to pardon us, we will never contemplate this course of action again in the future,” he said.
Ma’aji called for the creation of a formal mechanism through which military personnel could communicate concerns directly to the Chief of Army Staff without fear of victimisation.
He also recommended better pay and welfare packages, including improved healthcare, housing, pensions and support for military families.
On casualty management, he said the treatment of wounded soldiers was crucial to maintaining the morale of personnel serving in operational areas.
The colonel also criticised what he described as godfatherism and inequality in military postings and career progression, saying some officers had spent years on operations while others had little or no operational experience.
He further raised concerns about the cost of living, education, corruption and the impact of fuel subsidy removal on ordinary Nigerians.
Ma’aji urged the government to invest savings from subsidy reforms in projects that could ease hardship, including mass transport and other social infrastructure.
He also called for stronger action against corruption, arguing that perceived impunity among public officials could undermine the morale and confidence of security personnel.
On the alleged coup plot, Ma’aji maintained that the movement was not intended to destabilise the country and said those involved were motivated by what they considered to be a desire to improve Nigeria.
“Everything we planned was borne out of patriotism, love of country, and the desire to have a prosperous Nigeria that we all can be proud of,” he said.
He appealed to the authorities to consider the circumstances surrounding the alleged plot and pardon those involved, describing them as first offenders.
“We are pleading for a pardon and a chance to amend our ways. Many of the officers have participated in some operations in the North-East. I am happy nobody has been hurt,” he said.
Calls for military welfare reforms
Ma’aji described his detention as “challenging and revealing”, saying the experience had forced him to reconsider how grievances should be expressed.
He said he and the other accused had no country other than Nigeria and urged the authorities to consider their contributions to national security alongside the allegations against them.
Among his recommendations was a review of military remuneration to reflect current economic conditions and inflation.
He called for broader welfare provisions for serving personnel and their families, including the expansion of the Chief of Army Staff loan programme and a review of the Armed Forces National Health Insurance Scheme to cover more serious medical conditions.
He also advocated a sustainable housing programme for military personnel and the revival of previous car-loan initiatives.
On military postings, Ma’aji alleged that some officers had spent eight or nine consecutive years on operations, while others had never served in the North-East.
He also called for improved pensions for retired service personnel, saying former soldiers deserved better treatment after years of service.
On fuel subsidy removal, he argued that the policy should have been implemented gradually and urged the government to channel the savings into practical programmes capable of reducing the cost of living.
“The average Nigerian is not asking for too much, just a bare minimum of being able to move from point A to B and also afford three square meals, good health, and the education of their children,” he said.
Ma’aji also criticised corruption and alleged budget padding, arguing that poor governance and misuse of public resources had contributed to the hardship facing Nigerians.
He said many serving military personnel struggled to provide basic needs for their families despite the risks associated with their work.
The colonel concluded by asking for an opportunity to meet the relevant authorities, apologise and commit himself and others involved to pursuing lawful and peaceful means of addressing grievances.
Ma’aji remains an accused person in the ongoing proceedings, and the allegations against him have yet to be determined by the court. Separate proceedings involving military personnel and civilians accused in connection with the alleged plot are ongoing.
