Fresh details have emerged from the ongoing investigation into the alleged 2025 coup plot, with a Nigerian Army officer telling investigators that he gradually lost confidence in the plan after questioning the judgment and personal conduct of its alleged mastermind, Col. Mohammed Ma’aji.
Lt. Col. Shamsuddeen Bappah of the Nigerian Army Signals Corps said he became increasingly doubtful about the alleged conspiracy because of concerns over Ma’aji’s lifestyle, including his relationships with women and reliance on traditional spiritualists and Islamic clerics….See More
His account is contained in an extrajudicial statement obtained during the investigation, according to Premium Times.
Thousands of Pages of Evidence Compiled
Investigators reportedly assembled more than 7,400 pages of documents for the prosecution of suspects before a military General Court Martial and the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The case file reportedly contains suspects’ statements, bank records, confidential reports, alleged conversations and other exhibits gathered during the investigation.
Security agencies launched the probe after receiving intelligence in September 2025 that serving and retired military officers, alongside civilians, were allegedly plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration by force.
Investigators further alleged that the group planned attacks targeting President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and senior military commanders.
‘We Discussed Changing the Government’
Bappah, a 41-year-old officer from Bauchi State and a member of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 56 Regular Course, admitted attending meetings where discussions about changing the government allegedly took place.
According to his statement, he had known Ma’aji since their days at the Nigerian Defence Academy, where the senior officer served as one of his instructors.
“We always discussed the situation of the country and the way things are going.
“So he told me that one thing that can solve it is to change the government, and we have been discussing it for like four to five years.”
He said Ma’aji became more explicit during a meeting at the Command Guest House in Kaduna around 2022 or 2023.
“He told me that something will happen and the military will take over.”
‘I Started Having Doubts’
Despite attending subsequent meetings, Bappah said he eventually questioned whether Ma’aji possessed the judgment required to lead such an operation.
He cited the colonel’s alleged personal relationships as one of the reasons his confidence declined.
“I started having doubts when I saw his consistency on the issue of carrying women becoming too much, even in Abuja where his wife is.
“I felt that he’s not being loyal to his family.”
According to Bappah, he worried that such conduct could expose the alleged group to blackmail and public embarrassment.
“I started wondering if he can handle Nigeria at large without betrayers.”
He also questioned Ma’aji’s alleged reliance on spiritualists.
“Another issue was his involvement of diabolic people he calls Malams. I never believed in such.”
Another Officer Also Expressed Doubts
Investigators said another suspect, Lt. Cdr. Bayawo Abdullahi of the Nigerian Navy, also expressed doubts about Ma’aji’s ability to execute the alleged plan.
According to his statement, Abdullahi became sceptical after what he described as Ma’aji’s failure to complete a planned logistics arrangement.
He said he eventually regarded the colonel as unserious and stopped responding to his messages.
The naval officer admitted that his biggest regret was failing to report the alleged discussions to security authorities.
He also denied knowing that October 1, 2025, had allegedly been considered as the planned execution date.
Operational Roles Allegedly Assigned
Despite his reservations, Bappah told investigators he was later assigned responsibilities linked to the alleged operation.
According to his statement, Ma’aji informed him that Col. M.M. Adamu would coordinate efforts to block key entry routes into Abuja through Gwagwalada, Suleja and Keffi while deploying communication equipment.
Bappah claimed he was instructed to prepare a speech that would be delivered following the alleged takeover.
“He suggested that arrangements to block battalions via road will be done by Col Adamu, so I should prepare to read a speech.
“He even told me to use a write-up to conduct rehearsals while I was in Lagos.”
Investigators also alleged that he was expected to seize control of the 102 Battalion in Zuma, Niger State, although another suspect, Maj. Abdulkarim Ibrahim, reportedly said responsibility for making the national broadcast was later assigned to him.
Money Transfers Under Investigation
Bappah admitted receiving ₦1.5 million from Ma’aji to repair his official Toyota Hilux after its engine reportedly failed.
According to him, the vehicle was needed for operational purposes if the alleged plan went ahead.
He also acknowledged receiving an additional ₦5 million in his Zenith Bank account, saying Ma’aji instructed him to “take care of yourself and anything you want.”
Why He Didn’t Report the Alleged Plot
Bappah admitted he understood that overthrowing the government was illegal but claimed he did not fully appreciate that it amounted to treason.
“I knew the coup plot was illegal, but I didn’t know it was treason.”
Asked why he failed to alert his superiors, he said he feared retaliation.
“I didn’t report because I was afraid of him noticing and doing me harm if he discovered.”
He further admitted switching off his mobile phone after suspecting that Ma’aji and another suspect had been arrested, saying he wanted to avoid being traced by investigators.
Suspects Face Trial
Several suspects linked to the alleged coup plot are currently facing prosecution before either the General Court Martial or the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Some of the defendants have challenged the admissibility of their extrajudicial statements, while investigations and court proceedings continue.
The latest disclosures provide further insight into the prosecution’s case surrounding the alleged 2025 coup plot. However, the statements cited are part of ongoing investigations and judicial proceedings. The allegations remain subject to determination by the courts, and the accused persons are presumed innocent unless proven guilty….See More