By The Analyst Online Media
Fresh revelations have emerged in the ongoing investigation into Nigeria's alleged 2025 coup plot, with exclusive documents indicating that the alleged ringleader, Colonel Mohammed Ma'aji, linked his growing frustration over repeated promotion setbacks to the events that culminated in his arrest.
According to documents cited by Premium Times in an exclusive report, the senior army officer claimed he had been denied promotion to the rank of brigadier general on two separate occasions, a development he described as a major source of personal frustration.
The documents indicate that Ma'aji, who attained the rank of colonel in 2023, believed his military career had stagnated after he was twice passed over for elevation to brigadier general.
In a signed statement reportedly obtained by investigators, the officer was quoted as saying that after missing promotion for the second time in 2024, some junior officers allegedly encouraged him to revive an earlier movement, fearing that his impending retirement would permanently end any opportunity for advancement.
The documents also suggest that planning for the alleged coup began in 2023 before intensifying in 2025, when investigators allege operational plans, logistics, fundraising and weapons procurement were discussed ahead of the arrests carried out on 29 September 2025.
Promotion Used as Alleged Arrest Bait
One of the most striking claims contained in the report is that Ma'aji allegedly believed he had finally been invited to discuss his long-awaited promotion.
According to the account, he was reportedly summoned to the Nigerian Army headquarters after receiving communication suggesting that his promotion matter would receive attention.
The report states that after arriving at the meeting with high expectations, he was instead handed over to military intelligence officers for questioning over the alleged coup conspiracy.
In his statement, he reportedly said he travelled to the meeting "with very high morale" because he believed his promotion issue was finally being addressed.
Grievances Raised
The documents further show that the colonel attributed the alleged actions of those involved to broader institutional challenges rather than personal enrichment.
Among the concerns reportedly highlighted were:
Economic hardship affecting serving and retired personnel.
Poor welfare packages.
Inadequate housing.
Declining morale within the armed forces.
He also reportedly appealed for safer internal mechanisms through which military personnel could express grievances without fear of victimisation.
Investigation and Trial
The investigation has since expanded significantly.
According to the report, what initially involved about 16 military officers has reportedly grown into a case involving approximately 40 suspects, including civilians.
The civilians are facing charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja, while serving military personnel are expected to answer before court martial panels in accordance with military law.
Among those listed as civilian defendants are retired military officers, a police inspector, an electrician attached to the Presidential Villa, a civilian defendant and an Islamic cleric.
Official Position
Nigerian military authorities have consistently maintained that the alleged coup plot was successfully foiled and that investigations are continuing.
Authorities have also reiterated that all suspects remain entitled to due process, while the allegations against them are yet to be determined by the courts.
The criminal charges and military proceedings are still pending, and no court has reached a final verdict on the allegations.
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