'I Acted Out of Patriotism' — Army Colonel Ma'aji Breaks Silence, Explains Why He Plotted Coup Against Tinubu - Newstrends
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‘I Acted Out of Patriotism’ — Army Colonel Ma’aji Breaks Silence, Explains Why He Plotted Coup Against Tinubu

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'I Acted Out of Patriotism' — Army Colonel Ma'aji Breaks Silence, Explains Why He Plotted Coup Against Tinubu

‘I Acted Out of Patriotism’ — Army Colonel Ma’aji Breaks Silence, Explains Why He Plotted Coup Against Tinubu

A Nigerian Army Colonel, Mohammed Ma’aji, who is facing trial over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, has broken his silence, attributing his actions to patriotism and deep frustration over what he described as Nigeria’s worsening economic and security conditions. Ma’aji’s explanations, contained in fresh court records, provide new details about how investigators said a group of military officers and civilians allegedly developed, suspended, and later revived a plan to unseat President Tinubu’s administration. The alleged plot, uncovered in September 2025, reportedly led to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade and significant changes in the military hierarchy. Defence Headquarters has declined to react to the development, with Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, stating that commenting would amount to subjudice since the case is still before a court martial.

In a statement made available on Monday, Ma’aji apologised for his involvement and appealed to the authorities for leniency, insisting that his motive was not personal ambition but a deep desire for a better Nigeria. “What has happened has a very long history, and it is driven by patriotism and I love the job and country. Every time I look at how I’m struggling to raise five children with my meagre salary, I get worried. Looking at every aspect of life in Nigeria, there is no hope for the common man, and we are left to defend ourselves,” Ma’aji said. He stressed: “This has nothing to do with any ambition or personal goals. It is purely out of the desire for a prosperous country that works for everyone.” According to the colonel, the plan emerged from concerns among some military personnel over poor governance, widespread insecurity, inadequate welfare for troops, and declining living standards for ordinary Nigerians. He said the situation had become so troubling that he feared the country was heading towards collapse. He alleged that military personnel were particularly affected by inadequate welfare, citing the condition of soldiers wounded in combat at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, and the challenges facing serving personnel and their families.

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Ma’aji revealed that the initial planning started during the administration of Muhammadu Buhari. He said discussions regarding a potential military intervention first commenced in 2023, towards the end of Buhari’s tenure, when nepotism and systemic corruption allegedly spiralled out of control. However, Ma’aji disclosed that the project was initially abandoned due to insufficient funding, poor logistics, and limited manpower. He said the early financing was largely drawn from his own pocket, with one Army Major contributing N1 million and another officer providing dollar contributions. The colonel stated that the movement was revived after he failed to secure promotion to the rank of Brigadier-General for the second time in 2024. According to him, some of his colleagues encouraged him to revive the movement after the second setback. “When I was denied my first attempt for Brig Gen. Nobody up till today called me to tell me why, so also the second attempt. If our leaders are caring, that should not have been the case. In fact, after I lost my second attempt, many of the boys called me and said oga, we told you there is no other option than to go ahead with our plans and that was how the movement was revived again,” he said. He was careful to stress, however, that the failed promotion was not the primary motivation, and that his broader concerns about the direction of the country remained the driving force.

The colonel maintained that the movement was still at the stage of mobilisation and discussions when security authorities intervened, adding that no specific date had been agreed for any action. He also denied that there were foreign collaborators, while explaining that various individuals became involved at different stages of the discussions. Ma’aji said some of those approached expressed concerns about the state of the country, while others withdrew or failed to provide the resources they had initially promised. According to reports, Ma’aji also disclosed that he had spoken with several officers and named individuals who were aware of or involved in the plans, including Maj Usman, Lt Col Dangnap, Maj AJ Ibrahim, and others. He also mentioned that Brig Gen Sadiq was aware of the plans when he was Garrison Commander in Lagos.

Ma’aji said his arrest and subsequent detention had changed his outlook, making him recognise that there were lawful channels through which grievances within the military could be addressed. “If God willing, the authority is kind enough to pardon us, we will never contemplate this course of action again in the future,” he said. The colonel appealed to the authorities to consider the circumstances that led to the alleged plot and pardon those involved, describing them as first offenders. “We are pleading for a pardon and a chance to amend our ways. Many of the officers have participated in some operations in the North-East. I am happy nobody has been hurt,” he said. He insisted: “Everything we planned was born out of patriotism, love of country, and the desire to have a prosperous Nigeria that we all can be proud of.” Ma’aji described his detention as “challenging and revealing”, adding that it had given him an opportunity to reconsider his approach to expressing grievances. He maintained that he and others involved had no other country to call their own and urged the authorities to consider their contributions to national security alongside the allegations against them.

In his statement, Ma’aji made wide-ranging recommendations to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. He called for improved remuneration, arguing that the salary of Nigerian Armed Forces personnel is too low considering current economic realities and inflation. He also called for robust welfare packages, including expanded loan programmes, review of the Armed Forces health insurance package to cover critical health challenges, sustainable housing programmes, and the revival of the Obasanjo car loan scheme, while advocating for a dedicated welfare department within the Armed Forces. He criticised what he described as godfatherism, “where you can hardly get anything without someone calling in on your behalf,” noting that some officers have spent eight to nine years on operations while others have never been deployed to the North-East. On pension reform, he said: “Col Adamu told me that his pension cannot buy his BP drugs. I feel sad when I saw CDS ordering ex-servicemen to be dispersed from their protest ground for improved pensions. We should remember that we shall all retire.” He argued that the removal of fuel subsidy should have been phased rather than sudden, describing the policy as “anti-human” and noting that “we have rather created more stealing avenues because governors now have more funds to steal.” He called for stronger action against corruption, arguing that perceived impunity among public officials could weaken the morale and confidence of security personnel. On budget padding, he said: “After padding a budget and awarding costs, they’re still not implemented. For example, you put one thousand naira for a water of 100 naira and still do not buy the water.” Ma’aji is currently facing a court martial alongside 35 others over allegations of mutiny and plotting to overthrow the government. He has challenged the jurisdiction of the military tribunal, arguing that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, listed as the complainant, lacks legal capacity to institute criminal proceedings. He also maintains that the allegations do not fall within the offence of mutiny under the Armed Forces Act. The alleged coup plot, investigated by military authorities, identified Ma’aji as one of the principal masterminds and coordinators of the alleged conspiracy. The trial continues.

‘I Acted Out of Patriotism’ — Army Colonel Ma’aji Breaks Silence, Explains Why He Plotted Coup Against Tinubu

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‘Miracle’ Turns Sour as Visiting Pastor Vanishes with Congregants’ Phones During Crusade in Edo

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November 9, 2026

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‘Miracle’ Turns Sour as Visiting Pastor Vanishes with Congregants’ Phones During Crusade in Edo

By NewsTrends Correspondent

UROMI, EDO STATE – Worshippers in Uromi, Edo State, have reportedly been left devastated after a visiting pastor allegedly disappeared with their mobile phones during a prayer programme.

The incident, which reportedly occurred over the weekend, has sparked outrage and widespread reactions on social media after videos showing some of the affected worshippers crying over their losses emerged online.

According to reports, the visiting cleric instructed participants at the religious gathering to surrender their mobile phones and place them at the altar before the commencement of prayers.

The worshippers reportedly complied with the directive, apparently trusting the pastor’s instructions.

However, the situation allegedly took a dramatic turn when the cleric disappeared with the devices during the programme, leaving the congregation shocked and confused.

Videos circulating online show some of the affected worshippers, particularly women, visibly distressed and lamenting the disappearance of their belongings.

One of the women was heard expressing her frustration and concern over how she would cope without her mobile phone.

The circumstances surrounding the incident have generated widespread criticism, with many Nigerians questioning why worshippers were persuaded to surrender their personal belongings to a visiting religious leader.

The identity of the pastor, the exact number of phones allegedly taken and his whereabouts had yet to be established as of the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, The Sun Nigeria reported that the Edo State Police Command had not confirmed the incident as of Monday, November 9.

The development has renewed calls for caution among religious worshippers against surrendering valuable personal belongings to individuals under the guise of spiritual instructions.

 

Miracle’ Turns Sour as Visiting Pastor Vanishes with Congregants’ Phones During Crusade in Edo

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‘You’re Peter Obi’s Unofficial Spokesman’ – Bwala Accuses Arise TV’s Rufai Oseni

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13 hours ago

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November 9, 2026

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‘You’re Peter Obi’s Unofficial Spokesman’ – Bwala Accuses Arise TV’s Rufai Oseni

 

ABUJA, Nigeria – Presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala has accused Arise Television presenter Rufai Oseni of acting as an unofficial spokesperson for former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

 

Bwala made the allegation on Monday, November 9, 2026, in a post on X while reacting to Obi’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu over his administration’s handling of public resources and governance.

 

The presidential spokesman alleged that Oseni drafted a recent social media post by Obi to enable the former Anambra governor to amplify his criticism of the Federal Government during the Arise Television morning programme.

 

In the post, Bwala questioned why the broadcaster would not openly acknowledge his alleged political relationship with Obi.

 

“That tweet of @PeterObi was drafted to him by Rufai Oseni so he (Rufai) would amplify on their morning show. Check the pattern and flow as revealed to me by my sources in their camp.

 

“What is wrong with openly acknowledging that he is Obi’s unofficial spokesman? Hypocrites,” Bwala wrote.

 

What Triggered Bwala’s Outburst?

 

Bwala’s accusation followed a post by Obi titled, “Good Day, Mr President: Nigerians Deserve Accountability,” in which the NDC presidential candidate challenged Tinubu to account for funds saved from the removal of petrol subsidy, government borrowings and increased government revenue.

 

Obi also questioned the administration’s achievements in addressing poverty, out-of-school children, inadequate healthcare, poor electricity supply and insecurity.

 

Reacting to the post, Bwala suggested that Oseni was behind its composition and intended to use his television platform to give Obi’s criticism wider publicity.

 

However, the presidential spokesman did not provide evidence to substantiate his allegation that the Arise Television presenter drafted Obi’s post.

 

Political Tensions Ahead of 2027 Elections

 

The latest exchange comes amid growing political disagreements between supporters of the Tinubu administration and opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

Oseni has become a prominent voice in public discussions on governance, frequently interrogating politicians and challenging public officials on issues affecting Nigerians.

 

Bwala, on the other hand, has been actively defending the Tinubu administration against criticism from opposition politicians and other public commentators.

 

The allegation has again brought attention to the relationship between political communication, media independence and the responsibility of journalists to hold public officials accountable.

 

While Bwala has questioned Oseni’s perceived neutrality, his allegation that the broadcaster authored Obi’s post remains unsubstantiated based on the information contained in his public statement.

 

‘You’re Peter Obi’s Unofficial Spokesman’ – Bwala Accuses Arise TV’s Rufai Oseni

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Umahi, Cubana Chief Priest Trade Fresh Blows as Minister Asks ‘How Much Money Do You Have?’

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16 hours ago

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November 9, 2026

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Works Minister Umahi orders autopsy, rejects secrecy claims over aide's death

Umahi, Cubana Chief Priest Trade Fresh Blows as Minister Asks ‘How Much Money Do You Have?’

 

Minister of Works, David Umahi, and popular socialite and businessman, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, have reignited their public feud, exchanging sharp words over wealth, political influence and development in the South-East.

 

The latest exchange began after Umahi questioned the socialite’s repeated declaration that “money na water”, challenging him to demonstrate the impact of his wealth through meaningful contributions to society.

 

Cubana Chief Priest, however, responded by describing the minister as the “Pharaoh of our time” and demanding that he allow the people of the South-East to enjoy meaningful development.

 

The controversy has attracted considerable attention on social media, particularly as both men have brought the region’s political interests and infrastructure development into the dispute.

 

Umahi fired his latest salvo during a recent public engagement, where he criticised what he described as excessive public display of wealth.

 

Taking a swipe at Cubana Chief Priest’s popular “money na water” catchphrase, the minister questioned how much money the businessman actually possessed and challenged him to demonstrate what he had achieved with his wealth.

 

“We have become very noise-making. Every time, money na water. How much do you have? Have you ever seen water that have money? Have you ever seen children that say I have money?” Umahi queried.

 

The former Ebonyi State governor argued that genuinely wealthy individuals do not constantly advertise their financial status, citing prominent Nigerian business figures such as Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola and Abdul Samad Rabiu of BUA Group.

 

According to him, wealth should be measured not merely by public declarations but also by its positive impact on society.

 

“Money speaks for itself. Money speaks for itself, not to say money na water. Every time, money na water with your small bar business. What have you done with the money? How many people are on scholarship through you?” he asked.

 

Umahi’s remarks came after Cubana Chief Priest publicly criticised his performance as Minister of Works, describing him as the second-worst minister the South-East had ever produced.

 

The businessman questioned the benefits the region had derived from having one of its indigenes occupy the strategic position of Minister of Works.

 

He also called on President Bola Tinubu to replace ministers he considered ineffective, arguing that the South-East had little to show for Umahi’s appointment.

 

His comments generated reactions among social media users, with some supporting his assessment and others questioning his qualifications to evaluate the minister’s performance.

 

Responding to Umahi’s latest remarks, Cubana Chief Priest returned with another blistering attack, describing the minister as a modern-day Pharaoh and demanding that he stop making political promises on behalf of the South-East without tangible development to show for them.

 

In a video recorded aboard a boat, the businessman challenged Umahi to identify projects he had delivered in the region.

 

He also accused the minister of making promises to President Tinubu about securing votes from the South-East ahead of the 2027 general elections without doing enough to convince the people through infrastructure development.

 

“Honourable Minister of Works, Pharaoh of our time. Please let the people of the South-East go. Stop giving Mr President fake promises on votes,” he said.

 

Cubana Chief Priest further questioned Umahi’s alleged political succession plans in Ebonyi State, accusing him of positioning his son to succeed the incumbent governor, Francis Nwifuru.

 

He criticised what he described as attempts to turn governance into a family affair, questioning whether the minister was satisfied with the level of development in Ebonyi State and the wider South-East.

 

The allegation about the minister’s son’s political ambition has not been independently established.

 

Beyond the political succession controversy, Cubana Chief Priest also challenged Umahi over infrastructure development in the South-East, alleging that a bridge in the region had deteriorated following the minister’s intervention.

 

“Our bridge is no longer bridging since you touched it. Let us go,” he said.

 

The businessman insisted that the people of the region deserved visible development rather than political promises and repeated assurances of support for the Tinubu administration.

 

The latest confrontation has once again brought attention to the relationship between political officeholders and influential social media personalities, particularly over the performance of public officials and the expectations of their constituencies.

 

With the 2027 general elections approaching, the exchange has also added another dimension to the debate over political representation, infrastructure delivery and the South-East’s relationship with the Federal Government.

 

Umahi, Cubana Chief Priest Trade Fresh Blows as Minister Asks ‘How Much Money Do You Have?’

 

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