New Details Emerge on Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu's Government

In September last year, there was a reported failed attempt to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government. This situation caused unrest within the Nigerian government. Officials tried hard to downplay or dismiss the conspiracy, which reportedly led to a smaller Independence Day celebration on 1 October 2025.

The ongoing criminal cases involve both military and civilian individuals. Serving and retired military officers are among those on trial. This alleged coup has attracted significant media attention.

Many people were shocked, especially those who thought coups were a thing of the past since Nigeria transitioned from military rule in 1999. But up to now, the media has only shared basic information about the alleged plot. PREMIUM TIMES has more details on the case.

This newspaper has gotten access to many confidential files that the government has kept on the alleged coup since it was first discovered last September. These documents reveal rare insights into the supposed coup, including how it was planned, who was recruited, how funds were raised, and how weapons were arranged.

The files contain secret conversations that lasted for months between those believed to be involved in the conspiracy. These documents include thousands of pages of investigation records, witness statements, and other materials collected by security agencies for prosecution. They give an unusual look into one of the most serious threats to the Nigerian government in years.

The records mention many people, including serving and retired military officers, a police officer, clerics, politicians, businesspeople, and civilians. They were questioned about their alleged roles in the failed plot.

Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, an officer with the Defence Space Administration, is named as one of the main masterminds and coordinators of the alleged conspiracy. Investigators say the plot aimed to violently remove the Tinubu administration and replace it with a new government by targeting key political and military leaders.

PREMIUM TIMES reported earlier that the alleged targets included President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, service chiefs, and commanders of crucial military units, who were all reportedly marked for assassination.

The investigation found what security agencies described as a complex network across military bases, the Presidential Villa, and civilian groups. Different people were allegedly assigned tasks from logistics and funding to reconnaissance, propaganda, and recruitment.

The federal government has charged six men, including retired military officers and a police officer, with treason, terrorism, and money laundering in the Federal High Court in Abuja. Meanwhile, 36 serving military personnel are facing separate cases in a General Court Martial.

In the coming days, PREMIUM TIMES will share fresh information. This includes what investigators believe to be the planned methods of the alleged network and the accounts from key suspects. Some of these accounts sound like scenes from a movie.

This series will provide more than just facts. It will explore the complex mix of personal desires and weaknesses. Readers will gain insights into how the situation was influenced by the thirst for power, a desire for revenge, and issues like greed, loyalty, betrayal, and the challenges faced in Nigeria’s military service.

Look out for the series of untold stories about the coup plot starting Saturday.