Military Coup Plot to Disrupt Presidential Handover and Assassinate Tinubu Uncovered
Fresh investigations have revealed a shocking plot by military officers to violently overthrow Nigeria's democracy and assassinate key political figures, including President Bola Tinubu, during the critical handover period from late President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023. The elaborate scheme aimed to truncate the democratic transition that marked Nigeria's return to civilian rule.
The Mastermind Behind the Failed Coup Attempt
According to sources privy to ongoing security investigations, Colonel Alhassan Ma'aji has been identified as the principal architect of the failed coup plot against President Tinubu's administration. Colonel Ma'aji, a Nupe native from Niger State with service number N/10668, was born on March 1, 1976, and completed his military training on September 15, 2000, after commencing on August 18, 1995.
The initial plan involved executing violent actions during the presidential inauguration ceremony scheduled for May 29, 2024. However, the conspirators encountered significant obstacles that prevented implementation, primarily due to insufficient funding and inadequate logistical arrangements that hampered their operational capabilities.
Political Connections and Financial Backing
Investigations have further uncovered that former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva allegedly provided substantial financial support to the coup plotters. Security agencies discovered that approximately N1 billion was transferred in multiple trenches to three separate bank accounts owned by a Bureau De Change operator, with the transactions reportedly linked to Sylva's involvement.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission subsequently declared the 61-year-old former minister from Brass Local Government Area wanted in 2025. Before this declaration, soldiers investigating the failed coup raided Sylva's residence, though the former governor has vehemently denied any participation in the plot through his special assistant on media and public affairs, Julius Bokoru.
Official Denials and Political Motivations
In a detailed statement published on his social media platform, Bokoru asserted that Sylva maintains no connection with any coup-related activities and remains firmly committed to democratic principles and President Tinubu's administration. The spokesperson characterized the allegations as politically motivated fabrications designed to tarnish Sylva's reputation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Bokoru emphasized that his principal has consistently demonstrated loyalty to Nigeria's democratic institutions and dismissed the rumors as completely false narratives manufactured by political opponents seeking to undermine Sylva's standing within the political landscape.
Security Restructuring and Ongoing Vigilance
In response to security threats, President Tinubu has undertaken significant restructuring of Nigeria's security architecture, including the dismissal and replacement of all service chiefs. The presidency announced these changes as part of comprehensive efforts to strengthen national security frameworks amid persistent rumors about potential military interventions against the democratically elected government.
This security overhaul represents a proactive measure to safeguard Nigeria's democratic institutions and ensure stability during a period of heightened political sensitivity. The government's actions demonstrate a commitment to maintaining constitutional order and preventing any attempts to undermine the nation's hard-won democratic progress.
The failed coup plot highlights the ongoing challenges facing Nigeria's democracy and the importance of robust security mechanisms to protect against anti-democratic forces seeking to disrupt the nation's political stability and constitutional continuity.
