Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji is a senior Nigerian Army infantry officer who has been identified by military investigators as a key figure in the alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in 2025.
His alleged role emerged after the military arrested several officers in September 2025 over a suspected coup plot. The Defence Headquarters later confirmed that a special investigative panel had indicted 16 military officers in connection with the alleged attempt.
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What is Ma’aji’s alleged role?
Military investigators reportedly identified Ma’aji as a key strategist in the alleged plot. Premium Times reported that investigators also suspected him of coordinating logistics and transferring funds to other alleged participants, although some of the claims remain allegations subject to legal proceedings.
Mohammed Ma’aji was arrested in September 2025 and was among the officers detained as the investigation into the alleged coup progressed.
The allegations have since moved into legal proceedings. In April 2026, Ma’aji filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja challenging his continued detention and seeking his release and compensation, arguing that his prolonged detention violated his fundamental rights.
Early life and military training
Ma’aji was born on March 1, 1976 to Nupe parents, and is from Edati Local Government Area of Niger.
He was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of the 47 Regular Course in 1995 and completed his military training in 2000.
He was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps as a second lieutenant and rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel in 2013 before becoming a full colonel in 2017.
Military career
Ma’aji spent much of his military career serving in the Niger Delta and held several operational appointments.
He participated in Operation Crocodile Smile II, a military exercise conducted in 2017 to address security challenges in the Niger Delta and parts of the South-West.
He also served at the Depot, Nigerian Army, and later became a commander under Operation Delta Safe.
At the time of his arrest, he was the Commanding Officer of the 19 Battalion in Okitipupa, Ondo.
He also served as a security adviser during the 2015 Bayelsa State governorship election, a role that brought him into contact with political figures in the region.
What happens next?
Ma’aji remains at the centre of the military’s investigation into the alleged coup plot. Reports indicate that military authorities have moved to prosecute officers accused of involvement, while Ma’aji has challenged the legality of his prolonged detention.
The allegations against him remain matters for the appropriate judicial and military proceedings to determine.
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