Nigeria was shaken to its core in late 2025 when security agencies uncovered an alleged military coup plot targeting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. What began as whispered rumors and quiet arrests has since evolved into one of the most explosive national security sagas in recent Nigerian history. As investigations conclude and court-martial proceedings loom, a disturbing picture of intrigue, money, and cross-cutting alliances is coming into full view.
The Mastermind: Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji
At the center of the alleged conspiracy stands Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, an infantry officer in the Nigerian Army, who military investigators have confirmed as the major orchestrator of the failed coup plot against President Tinubu’s administration.
Born on 1st March 1976, the Nupe native from Niger State started training at the Nigerian Defence Academy on 18 August 1995 and finished on 16 September 2000. Ma’aji rose through the ranks over two decades, serving as the Commanding Officer of the 19 Battalion of the Nigerian Army based in Okitipupa, Ondo State, and later as Commander, Operation Delta Safe.
Military intelligence sources believe Ma’aji played a central role in the alleged plot, and he is accused of recruiting junior officers and coordinating logistics and funding for the network.
The Broader Network: 16 Officers Indicted
Ma’aji was far from alone. The Defence Headquarters confirmed on January 26 that 16 military officers were indicted following investigations into the alleged plan to topple the government.
Of the 16 detained officers, 14 are from the Nigerian Army, while the remaining two are from the Navy and the Air Force. Twelve of the 14 army officers belong to the Infantry Corps.
Among the most senior figures implicated is Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq, an indigene of Nasarawa State. This is not the first time Sadiq has made headlines for alleged gross misconduct — in October 2024, he was reportedly detained for alleged diversion of rice palliatives and selling of military equipment.
The Money Trail: Nearly ₦1 Billion and a Former Governor
Perhaps the most explosive dimension of the investigation concerns the alleged funding behind the plot. Investigations revealed that the coup was initially planned for May 29, 2023 — Nigeria’s Democracy Day and the day President Tinubu was inaugurated — but was aborted due to logistical setbacks and funding constraints.
The plot was reactivated in 2025 after nearly ₦1 billion was reportedly transferred in tranches through a Bureau De Change operator. The funds were allegedly traced to former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva.
Fresh details have emerged linking Colonel Ma’aji to Sylva, revealing that Ma’aji served as Security Adviser to Sylva during the 2015 Bayelsa State governorship election.
Following the revelations, military operatives raided Sylva’s Abuja and Bayelsa residences and arrested his brother. However, Sylva’s media aide, Julius Bokoru, described the allegations as “mischievous and politically motivated,” insisting that the former Bayelsa governor had no connection to any attempt to undermine the government.
Separately, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission declared Sylva wanted for alleged conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257 said to have been provided by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board for a refinery project.
The Luxury Vehicle Fleet
Adding another layer to the conspiracy, investigators seized a fleet of vehicles allegedly acquired for covert movements and intelligence gathering. The vehicles included four Toyota Hilux trucks, one Toyota Prado SUV, two Toyota saloon cars and 32 Volkswagen Golf vehicles.
Sources said the cars were used to enable discreet access to sensitive locations, including airports and other strategic facilities in Abuja, allowing operatives to move around without attracting attention and to carry out reconnaissance linked to the plot.
The Nollywood Connection: Stanley Amandi
In an unexpected civilian twist, Nollywood filmmaker and actor Stanley Amandi was arrested alongside several military officers accused of plotting a violent overthrow of President Tinubu’s administration.
Amandi, a former chairman of the AGN Enugu State chapter, was taken into custody in September 2025. The actor-director was allegedly recruited by the suspected coup plotters as a media propagandist.
The DSS informed his family that Amandi was not in its custody, but was being held by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
While Amandi was not accused of bearing arms, security sources said his alleged role involved shaping narratives and messaging to support the planned takeover. Military personnel involved are expected to face court-martial proceedings, while civilians named in the investigation, including Amandi, will be tried in civil courts.
The Assassination Plot
The alleged conspiracy reportedly extended far beyond seizing power. The plotters marked several top officials for assassination, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
Some officers were assigned to seize control of the Presidential Villa, Niger Barracks, the Armed Forces of Nigeria Complex and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The Fallout
The unraveling of the alleged plot triggered sweeping changes at the top of Nigeria’s military establishment. President Tinubu dismissed several service chiefs following the scandal, retaining only Olufemi Oluyede and Emmanuel Undiandeye in key positions.
The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that the Special Investigative Panel completed its probe in line with established procedures and existing regulations, and that the indicted officers would face special court-martial.
As the nation watches closely, all accused individuals retain the presumption of innocence under Nigerian law. The full truth behind one of the most audacious alleged plots against Nigeria’s democratic order may only emerge when the courts deliver their verdicts.
