Ma’aji made the disclosures in fresh court documents in which he apologised for his alleged involvement and appealed to the authorities for leniency.

The documents provided further details on how military officers and civilians allegedly developed, suspended and later revived the plan before security agencies intervened.

The Defence Headquarters declined to comment on the fresh revelations, saying the matter was before the court.

Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, said any comment on the case could amount to sub judice.

Ma’aji said his actions were not motivated by personal ambition but by concerns over poor governance, insecurity, inadequate military welfare and the declining standard of living.

He said, “What has happened has a very long history, and it is driven by patriotism and I love the job and country.

“Every time I look at how I’m struggling to raise five children with my meagre salary, I get worried. Looking at every aspect of life in Nigeria, there is no hope for the common man, and we are left to defend ourselves.

“This has nothing to do with any ambition or personal goals. It is purely out of the desire for a prosperous country that works for everyone.”

The colonel said the alleged movement was still at the stage of mobilisation and discussions when security authorities intervened, adding that no specific date had been fixed for any action.

He also denied the involvement of foreign collaborators, saying people joined the discussions at different stages while some eventually withdrew or failed to provide promised resources.

However, Ma’aji acknowledged that his frustration was compounded by his failure to secure promotion to the rank of brigadier-general on two occasions.

According to him, some colleagues encouraged him to revive the movement following his second promotion setback.

He said the initial planning began during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari but that his experience following his arrest had changed his perspective.

Ma’aji said he now understood that grievances could be expressed through lawful channels within the military.

“If God willing, the authority is kind enough to pardon us, we will never contemplate this course of action again in the future,” he said.

The colonel called for the creation of a formal channel through which military personnel could communicate grievances directly to the Chief of Army Staff without fear of victimisation.

He also advocated improved salaries, housing, healthcare, pensions and family welfare for members of the Armed Forces.

On military career progression, Ma’aji criticised what he described as godfatherism and inequality in postings, noting that some officers had spent years on operations while others had little or no operational experience.

He also called for better treatment of wounded soldiers and improved casualty management, arguing that the welfare of injured personnel affects the morale of those still serving.

On the wider economy, Ma’aji criticised the sudden removal of fuel subsidy, saying the policy should have been phased to reduce its impact on Nigerians.

He urged the Federal Government to invest savings from subsidy reforms in practical programmes, including mass transportation and other measures to reduce the cost of living.

He also called for stronger action against corruption, budget padding and poor implementation of government projects, while expressing concern over the state of education and the inability of many military personnel to afford quality schooling for their children.

Ma’aji said, “An average Nigerian is not asking for too much, just a bare minimum of being able to move from point A to B and also afford three square meals, good health, and the education of their children.”

He further advocated the revival of housing and car-loan schemes for military personnel and an upgrade of pension packages for retired servicemen.

Appealing for clemency, Ma’aji described those accused in the alleged plot as first offenders and stressed that no one was injured as a result of the alleged plan.

“We are pleading for a pardon and a chance to amend our ways. Many of the officers have participated in some operations in the North-East. I am happy nobody has been hurt,” he said.

He urged the authorities to consider the circumstances that led to the alleged plot and allow those involved to pursue their grievances through lawful and peaceful means.