Army officer reveals why he abandoned alleged 2025 coup plot: mastermind's promiscuity, spiritualists
Lt. Col. Shamsuddeen Bappah told investigators he lost confidence in an alleged 2025 coup plot against President Tinubu due to alleged mastermind Col. Mohammed Ma'aji's promiscuity and reliance on traditional spiritualists. Bappah, from Bauchi State and NDA 56 Regular Course, said Ma'aji's unfaithfulness to his wife made him question his ability to lead Nigeria, while Ma'aji's patronage of 'Malams' (spiritualists) created doubts about judgment.
According to Bappah's statement obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, he admitted attending coup planning meetings at Ma'aji's Army Housing residence in Lokogoma, Abuja, and receiving N6.5 million total - N1.5 million to repair his official Toyota Hilux and N5 million into his Zenith Bank account 'to take care of yourself.' He was allegedly assigned to seize 102 Battalion in Zuma, Niger State, and prepare a post-takeover speech.
The alleged plot, investigated since September 2025, reportedly planned to assassinate President Tinubu, VP Shettima, Senate President Akpabio, Speaker Abbas, and senior military commanders before seizing power. Another officer, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Abdullahi, also doubted the plot's feasibility due to Ma'aji's logistical shortcomings.
Bappah said he never reported the plot to superiors, fearing Ma'aji would harm him if discovered, and switched off his phone after suspecting arrests to avoid detection. Many suspects now face trial at General Court Martial or Federal High Court in Abuja.
What does this reveal about the fragility of such plots and how personal conduct of alleged leaders affects follower commitment in high-stakes conspiracies?