‘I Was Fighting for Nigeria’ — Colonel Accused of Tinubu Coup Plot Begs for Pardon

A Nigerian Army Colonel, Mohammed Ma’aji, accused of involvement in an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, has appealed for forgiveness, saying his actions were driven by patriotism and frustration over the worsening conditions in Nigeria.

In a statement made available on Monday, Ma’aji apologised for his involvement and insisted that the alleged plot was not motivated by personal ambition but by concerns over insecurity, poor welfare, governance and declining living standards.

He said the situation had become so troubling that he feared the country was heading towards collapse.

“Every time I look at how I’m struggling to raise five children with my meagre salary, I get worried,” Ma’aji said, adding that there appeared to be little hope for the ordinary Nigerian.

The colonel also raised concerns about the welfare of military personnel, particularly soldiers wounded during operations, as well as the challenges facing serving officers and their families.

According to him, the alleged movement was still at the stage of mobilisation and discussions when security authorities intervened, and no specific date had been fixed for any action.

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Ma’aji denied the involvement of foreign collaborators, saying individuals joined the discussions at different stages, while some later withdrew or failed to provide promised resources.

He also linked his frustrations to his failure to secure promotion to the rank of brigadier-general on two occasions, saying some colleagues encouraged him to revive the movement after his second setback.

However, Ma’aji said his experience in detention had changed his perspective and made him realise that grievances could be addressed through lawful channels within the military.

He appealed to the authorities to pardon those involved, describing them as first offenders who had contributed to national security operations.

“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.

The colonel called for a formal channel through which military personnel could raise concerns directly with the Chief of Army Staff without fear of victimisation.

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He also advocated improved salaries, healthcare, housing, pensions and family support for military personnel, alongside better treatment of wounded soldiers.

Ma’aji criticised perceived favouritism in military postings and career progression, arguing that some officers had spent years in combat operations while others had little operational exposure.

He further urged the government to address the rising cost of living, corruption and the impact of fuel subsidy reforms, saying resources saved from such reforms should be invested in social infrastructure and mass transportation.

Maintaining that the alleged plot was driven by “love of country,” Ma’aji appealed for an opportunity to apologise to the authorities and promised that he and the other officers would pursue only lawful and peaceful means of expressing their grievances in the future.