Nigeria coup suspect says 2025 plot was driven by ‘patriotism’

Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, accused of masterminding Nigeria’s alleged failed 2025 coup attempt, told military investigators that he and others were motivated by “patriotism” and concerns about Nigeria’s “gradual decline”. He also reportedly confirmed receiving ₦400 million from former oil minister Timipre Sylva, who is currently wanted. Ma’aji and 35 other officers are facing trial before a military tribunal, which has yet to deliver its verdict. The case has renewed debate over Nigeria’s history of military coups and the challenges facing its democratic system.

The alleged mastermind of Nigeria’s failed 2025 coup attempt has told military investigators that he and his co-accused were motivated by what they described as a desire to reverse the country's "gradual decline".
Colonel Mohammed Ma'aji, 50, is accused of being the ringleader of a group of military officers who allegedly plotted to overthrow the Nigerian government.
In testimony published by Premium Times on Monday, Ma'aji said the alleged plan was driven by concerns about the direction of the country and a desire to create what he described as a more prosperous Nigeria.
"We have our biases and our thoughts and concerns on what was going on in our country from a state of gradual decline up to now, and we are almost at the point of collapse," Ma'aji reportedly told military investigators.
He added that those involved were "driven by patriotism".
The claims are part of evidence being examined by a military tribunal, which has yet to deliver its verdict.

HOW THE COUP INVESTIGATION BEGAN

Nigeria's military announced in January that it had arrested 36 officers accused of plotting to overthrow the government.
The alleged conspiracy triggered one of the country's most serious security investigations in years because a successful military takeover would have ended more than 25 years of uninterrupted democratic government.
A military tribunal was subsequently established in May to try the accused officers.
Ma'aji is among those facing proceedings before the tribunal.
The allegations remain subject to the tribunal's final determination, and the accused officers are entitled to due process.

MA’AJI ACKNOWLEDGES ALLEGED FINANCIAL SUPPORT

In the transcript of his interview with military investigators, Ma'aji reportedly acknowledged receiving financial support from former Petroleum Resources Minister Timipre Sylva.
According to the published transcript, Sylva allegedly provided 400 million naira, approximately $294,000, to support the activities connected to the alleged plot.
Sylva is currently reported to be outside the reach of Nigerian authorities.
The allegation adds a political dimension to the case because it suggests that the suspected military conspiracy may have involved individuals outside the armed forces.
However, the military tribunal has not yet established whether the alleged funding was connected to an actual coup operation or what specific purpose the money was intended to serve.

‘WE WANTED A PROSPEROUS NATION’

Ma'aji's explanation presents the alleged coup attempt as an act motivated by dissatisfaction with Nigeria's political and economic direction.
He reportedly told investigators that the objective was to create a country "that we all can be proud of".
Such arguments have historically been used by military plotters across Africa to justify interventions against elected governments.
However, Nigeria's own history demonstrates the long-term consequences of military rule.
The country experienced several military coups after independence in 1960, with military governments dominating national politics for much of the second half of the 20th century.

NIGERIA'S LONG HISTORY OF MILITARY COUPS

Nigeria's return to democracy in 1999 marked a major turning point after decades of military intervention.
The transition followed the death of military ruler General Sani Abacha in 1998 and the subsequent election of Olusegun Obasanjo as president in 1999.
Since then, successive civilian governments have transferred power through elections, despite disputes, political tensions and allegations of electoral malpractice.
A successful coup in 2025 would therefore have represented a dramatic reversal of more than two decades of civilian rule.
It could also have had serious consequences for Nigeria's international standing, economy and relations with regional organisations such as the Economic Community of West African States.

WEST AFRICA'S RECENT COUP WAVE

The allegations also come against the background of a wider resurgence of military coups across West Africa.
Military governments have taken power in countries including Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Niger in recent years.
In several cases, coup leaders justified their actions by pointing to insecurity, corruption, weak governance and economic hardship.
The developments have raised concerns about the resilience of democratic institutions across the region.
Nigeria, as Africa's most populous country and one of the continent's largest economies, has traditionally played an important role in defending constitutional government in West Africa.
A successful military takeover in Nigeria would therefore have had consequences far beyond the country's borders.

THE POLITICAL AND SECURITY STAKES

The case is being closely watched because of what it could reveal about dissatisfaction within Nigeria's armed forces and the broader political environment.
Nigeria continues to face major security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence in several regions.
Economic pressures, including high living costs and unemployment, have also fuelled public frustration.
However, dissatisfaction with government performance does not provide a legal basis for overthrowing an elected government.
For Nigeria's democratic system, the tribunal's handling of the case will therefore be important in determining accountability while ensuring that the accused receive a fair hearing.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

The military tribunal has yet to issue its verdict in the case.
The evidence presented during the proceedings, including Ma'aji's statements and the alleged financial links to Sylva, will be considered as part of the tribunal's deliberations.
If the officers are found guilty, they could face serious military and criminal consequences under Nigerian law.
If the allegations are not proven, the accused officers would be entitled to the appropriate legal relief.
For Nigeria, however, the case has already revived an uncomfortable question: how can the country address deep public and institutional frustrations without returning to the era when military officers determined who governed Africa's most populous nation?
The answer will have implications not only for the officers on trial, but also for the future stability of Nigeria's democratic system.