By BwariTimes News Desk
A Nigerian Army Colonel, Mohammed Ma’aji, accused of involvement in an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, has reportedly explained the reasons he says motivated his actions.
Ma’aji’s account emerged amid ongoing legal proceedings concerning an alleged plot to unlawfully remove the democratically elected government.
According to reports from the proceedings, Ma’aji attributed his alleged involvement to what he described as growing frustration over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, economic hardship and concerns about the welfare of military personnel.
Why Ma’aji said he became frustrated
Ma’aji reportedly cited several issues which he said contributed to his decision, including insecurity across the country and concerns about how soldiers and their families were being treated.
Among the issues reportedly raised were the welfare of wounded soldiers, accommodation, healthcare, pensions and support for military families.
He also reportedly complained about low salaries and the rising cost of living, while expressing concerns over corruption, alleged impunity and what he perceived as inequality in military postings and promotions.
The colonel also reportedly referred to the economic consequences of fuel subsidy removal and the hardship experienced by Nigerians.
Promotion frustration also mentioned
Ma’aji reportedly acknowledged that his personal career experience also contributed to his frustration.
He said he had failed to secure promotion to the rank of brigadier-general on two occasions.
However, his account reportedly framed the alleged plot primarily around what he described as concerns about the country and the military rather than personal ambition.
He reportedly described his motivation as patriotic.
Alleged plot reportedly discussed before Tinubu administration
Reports indicate that discussions surrounding the alleged plan did not begin only after President Tinubu assumed office.
According to Ma’aji’s reported account, discussions about the idea started during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari and were subsequently revived.
He reportedly maintained that there was no agreed date for the execution of military action when authorities intervened.
What the prosecution has alleged
The allegations against Ma’aji are part of wider legal proceedings involving an alleged attempt to overthrow the government.
In separate proceedings before the Federal High Court in Abuja, prosecutors have presented evidence concerning an alleged plan involving military officers and civilians.
A prosecution witness previously told the court that alleged plotters had identified key targets and discussed plans for taking control of strategic locations.
The prosecution has also alleged that funds were disbursed in connection with the alleged operation. The defendants in the Federal High Court case have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Ma’aji challenges the case against him
Ma’aji has also challenged the jurisdiction of the military court handling charges against him.
In a preliminary objection reported in May, he argued that the charges were legally defective and that the General Court Martial lacked jurisdiction to entertain them.
His defence also disputed whether the allegations amounted to offences properly covered by the military law provisions cited by the prosecution.
Case remains before the courts
The allegations remain subject to judicial determination.
The Federal Government has continued to prosecute individuals accused of involvement in the alleged plot, while the accused persons have mounted legal challenges and denied the allegations in court.
As the proceedings continue, Ma’aji’s reported explanation provides an account of what he says motivated his actions, but it does not by itself establish the allegations against him as fact.
The courts will ultimately determine the legal status of the allegations and the responsibility, if any, of the accused persons.
BwariTimes will continue to monitor developments in the case and provide updates as proceedings continue. We are live on Facebook, follow us.
