The investigation into the alleged plot to topple Nigeria’s democracy has reportedly centered on Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, identified by investigators as the alleged coordinator of the botched coup. TheCable understands that Ma’aji previously served as the security adviser to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timi Sylva, during his 2015 Bayelsa gubernatorial campaign. While Sylva’s media aide, Julius Bokoru, has vehemently denied any link, describing Sylva as “an unrepentant and thoroughbred democrat,” the focus on Ma’aji intensified following the search of Sylva’s Abuja residences.
Sources allege Ma’aji played a central role by recruiting junior officers and providing the plot’s funds and logistics, fueling speculation he was bankrolled by a powerful politician. Ma’aji has reportedly refused to cooperate, but junior officers have made “significant statements” to the military’s special investigative panel, which has also conducted forensics on Ma’aji and his wife.
