This report was copied from the Nigerian Times…
Fresh details have emerged from the ongoing trial of military officers accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, revealing that one of the suspects privately mocked the President after the cancellation of Nigeria’s 2025 Independence Day parade.
The revelation is contained in a statement made by Nigerian Navy Lieutenant Commander Bayawo Abdullahi, one of the officers facing trial before a General Court-Martial over the alleged coup plot uncovered in September 2025. The statement forms part of an exclusive investigative series published by Premium Times.
According to the report, Abdullahi admitted sending a WhatsApp message to the alleged mastermind of the coup plot, Nigerian Army Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, shortly after authorities announced the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade.
In the message, the naval officer allegedly wrote:
“The man has cancelled the parade; the bagger is scared.”
The officer later explained investigators that the remark reflected his personal opinion at the time and was based on what he believed was President Tinubu’s history of missing Independence Day parades. However, he acknowledged that the message amounted to misconduct.
Admission of Misconduct
During interrogation, Abdullahi admitted that his conduct was inappropriate and accepted responsibility for actions he said undermined national security.
According to his statement, he acknowledged that his actions were disloyal to the Commander-in-Chief and had the potential to threaten Nigeria’s security.
Investigators also questioned whether he knew that October 1 had allegedly been proposed as one of the dates for executing the coup. Abdullahi denied having such knowledge, insisting that Colonel Ma’aji never informed him of any operational plans and that he was absent from subsequent meetings where such discussions may have taken place.
Promotion Frustrations Fuelled Discontent
The officer also disclosed longstanding grievances over his stalled military career.
He claimed he had been denied promotion since 2018 after disciplinary issues involving officers in Apapa, adding that despite missing promotion alongside his coursemates, he was later deployed to Maiduguri and subsequently withdrawn from a senior military course over examination-related allegations.
According to him, these experiences contributed to his frustrations within the Armed Forces, although he maintained that he never fully committed to any coup plan.
‘I Thought He Was a Joker’
Abdullahi further told investigators that he eventually lost confidence in the alleged coup leader, describing Colonel Ma’aji as someone who lacked the logistics and capacity to carry out such an operation.
He said he gradually stopped responding to Ma’aji’s messages because he believed the discussions were unrealistic.
His biggest regret, he added, was failing to report the alleged conspiracy to the authorities, explaining that he was unsure whom to approach.
Recommendations to Prevent Future Discontent
Beyond his defence, the naval officer urged the government to address systemic welfare issues affecting military personnel.
He recommended improved communication channels for officers’ grievances, better housing opportunities, affordable education for military families and stronger welfare packages, arguing that unresolved economic hardship and career frustrations could continue to affect morale within the Armed Forces.
The alleged coup plot was uncovered in September 2025, leading to the arrest of about 40 suspects, including serving military officers, retired personnel, a police officer and civilians.
While serving officers are being tried before a General Court-Martial, civilian suspects are facing prosecution before a civil court.
The cancellation of the 2025 Independence Day parade coincided with the arrest of the alleged plot leader, although the Defence Headquarters at the time attributed the decision to the President’s overseas bilateral engagements.