Tension In Defence Circles As Colonel Ma’aji, Ex-Minister’s Ally, Faces Probe Over Coup Allegation

Fresh revelations have emerged linking Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji — the alleged coordinator of the foiled coup plot — to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, who remains under investigation following a raid on his Abuja residence by security operatives.

According to findings by TheCable, Ma’aji, now in military custody, previously served as Security Adviser to Sylva during the 2015 Bayelsa State governorship election, which the former governor contested under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Sources familiar with the investigation described Ma’aji as being “very close” to Sylva, noting that he coordinated security logistics for the APC campaign during the December 5, 2015, polls. Sylva, who ran on the APC platform, garnered 86,852 votes but lost to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Seriake Dickson, who polled 134,998 votes.

Sylva Denies Any Involvement

Reacting to reports of his alleged connection to the plot, Sylva’s media aide, Julius Bokoru, issued a statement dismissing the claims as false and politically motivated.

“Chief Timipre Sylva is an unrepentant and thoroughbred democrat who has consistently supported President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s democratic institutions,” Bokoru said, insisting his principal had no links to any attempt to destabilise the government.

Investigators Trace Ma’aji’s Alleged Role

Military intelligence sources told TheCable that Colonel Ma’aji is suspected of playing a central role in coordinating the failed operation. While investigators have not concluded whether he masterminded the plot, Ma’aji is alleged to have recruited junior officers and overseen funding and logistics for the network.

A senior military source revealed: “His key assignment appeared to involve recruitment and coordination. There are also indications that he had access to funds far exceeding what his official income could justify.”

Security operatives reportedly conducted detailed searches of Ma’aji’s Abuja residence and that of his wife, uncovering “substantial financial records and property documents.”

“A trove of information has been discovered regarding his accounts, transactions, and multiple landed properties,” the source added.

Despite these discoveries, Ma’aji has reportedly refused to cooperate with the special investigative panel, maintaining silence while several detained junior officers have provided what officials describe as “significant statements.”

Profile: Who Is Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji?

Born in 1976 to Nupe parents, Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji is a graduate of regular course 47 of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 2000 and rose to the rank of Colonel in 2017 after completing the Policy, Strategy and Leadership Course (PSLC) at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State.

Ma’aji previously served as Commanding Officer of the 19 Battalion in Okitipupa, Ondo State, before being posted to Koko, headquarters of Warri North Local Government Area, Delta State, in 2017. In January 2021, he assumed command of Operation Delta Safe after a transfer from the Depot, Nigerian Army, Zaria.