{
  "id": 458860,
  "title": "Nigeria: Exclusive - Why I Planned Coup Against Tinubu - Colonel Ma'aji",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/nigeria-exclusive-why-i-planned-coup-against-tinubu-colonel-maaji",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-10T10:37:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "AllAfrica",
    "slug": "allafrica",
    "url": "https://allafrica.com/stories/202608100292.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nigerian Army Colonel Mohammed Ma'aji has revealed the details behind his alleged involvement in a coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu in 2025. According to Ma'aji's account, the plan began taking shape in late 2023, during the final months of President Muhammadu Buhari's tenure. The colonel stated that increasing corruption, nepotism, and insecurity in the country fueled his desire for change. Ma'aji, now 50 years old, served in various military capacities across Nigeria before his arrest in September 2025. He and other military officers, as well as civilians, were subsequently interrogated and charged with their roles in the alleged plot. The coup plot was ultimately called off before it could be publicly announced, resulting in the arrest of over 40 people, including military personnel, police officers, and civilians. The military's response has been to view the matter as a routine internal process aimed at preserving discipline and professionalism within the ranks.",
  "summary": "[Premium Times] PREMIUM TIMES reveals for the first time the full account of the alleged architect of the 2025 failed coup, Mr Ma'aji, a Nigerian Army colonel.",
  "key_points": [
    "Colonel Mohammed Ma aji planned coup against Tinubu in 2025.",
    "Corruption, nepotism, and insecurity fueled his desire for change.",
    "Plot called off before public announcement, 40+ arrested."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The alleged coup plot's exposure reveals deep-seated grievances within the military against the current administration, highlighting corruption, nepotism, and insecurity as key drivers of discontent among some officers.",
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/458860.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}