Nigerian Colonel Mohammed Ma'aji: Key Financiers of Failed 2025 Coup Plot Revealed

• A retired naval captain, Erasmus Victor, has come forward with an account of his involvement in the alleged 2025 failed coup.
• Colonel Mohammed Ma'aji allegedly sought to recruit wealthy sponsors to finance the plot, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike.
• The investigation into the plot has been ongoing since September 2025, with six defendants currently facing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

He was very devastated,

A retired naval captain, Erasmus Victor, has come forward with a surprising account of his involvement in the alleged 2025 failed coup against President Tinubu's administration. According to investigation records obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, Mr. Victor acknowledged discussing the plot with Nigerian Army Colonel Mohammed Ma'aji on several occasions, despite repeatedly advising him against it. Their conversations took place through an encrypted messaging application, where they even joked about government appointments if the coup succeeded. However, Mr. Victor insisted that he never supported the alleged conspiracy and only pretended to assist Colonel Ma'aji while attempting to persuade him to abandon the plan. His relationship with Colonel Ma'aji dates back several years, when they worked together at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).

During his conversations with Colonel Ma'aji, Mr. Victor revealed that potential financiers for the coup were discussed, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike and other individuals. The colonel allegedly sought to recruit wealthy sponsors who could finance the plot, but Mr. Victor repeatedly urged him to abandon the idea. Despite his reservations, Mr. Victor claimed that he never alerted security agencies about the alleged conspiracy. His actions were motivated by a desire to persuade Colonel Ma'aji to change course, rather than actively supporting the coup. The investigation into the plot has been ongoing since September 2025, with six defendants currently facing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

A significant turning point in Colonel Ma'aji's involvement in the coup plot was his failure to secure promotion around 2023. According to Mr. Victor, this setback had a profound impact on the colonel, who became devastated and began to contemplate drastic measures. Mr. Victor attempted to console him, advising him to prepare for retirement rather than allowing the setback to consume him. However, Colonel Ma'aji rejected this advice, declaring that he was prepared to do 'anything necessary,' even if it cost him his life. This remark marked a clear shift in his intentions, and Mr. Victor immediately understood it to mean that Colonel Ma'aji intended to organize a coup against the government.

Lawyers advising clients on security clearances or government appointments should be aware of the potential for individuals with military backgrounds to be involved in coup plots, and take steps to verify their clients' intentions and allegiances.

Source: Original reporting via AllAfrica Nigeria