Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji has emerged as the principal suspect in the alleged coup plot uncovered by Nigerian military authorities in October 2025, aimed at overthrowing the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The alleged plot, which created nationwide tension at the time, was initially denied by authorities. However, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed on Monday, January 26, that 16 military officers were indicted following investigations into an alleged plan to topple the government.
Colonel Ma’aji, officially identified as Colonel M. A. Ma’aji, was listed as the first name among the 16 indicted officers in the report released by the investigative panel, reinforcing earlier reports that he played a leading role in the failed plot.
Born in 1976 to Nupe parents in Niger State, Ma’aji is a graduate of Regular Course 47 of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
He previously served as a security adviser to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, during the 2015 Bayelsa State gubernatorial election.
In his military career, Colonel Ma’aji held several command positions, including serving as the Commanding Officer of the 19 Battalion in Okitipupa, Ondo State. In 2017, he was posted to Koko, the headquarters of Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The Defence Headquarters has stated that all officers indicted in the matter will be tried in line with the Armed Forces Act and existing military judicial procedures.
Investigations into the alleged coup plot and related security breaches remain ongoing.