Nollywood filmmaker and actor Stanley Amandi has been arrested in connection with an alleged plot by some military officers to violently overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu, PREMIUM TIMES reports.
Mr Amandi, a director and former chairperson of the Enugu State chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, was reportedly arrested in September 2025. This is the first time details of his alleged involvement in the case have been made public.
According to findings by PREMIUM TIMES, the actor was allegedly recruited to serve as a propagandist for the suspected coup plotters, who were said to have planned the assassination of top government officials.
Sources familiar with the investigation previously told the newspaper that those allegedly targeted included President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.
Military Confirms Probe
On Monday, Defence Headquarters confirmed that investigations into the alleged plot to illegally oust the Tinubu administration had been concluded, adding that indicted officers would be arraigned before military judicial panels.
In a statement, the military said the investigation was “comprehensive” and conducted in line with established procedures, examining “all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.” It added that several officers were found to have allegations of plotting to overthrow the government — conduct it described as inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The findings, according to the statement, have been forwarded to the appropriate superior authority in line with existing regulations.
Earlier Arrests
In October last year, PREMIUM TIMES reported that 16 officers were under investigation for an alleged coup plot, although the army at the time described the probe as relating to “indiscipline and breach of service regulations.”
Subsequent investigations reportedly led to the arrest of additional military officers and civilians. Sources said suspects, including senior officers, are expected to face both court martials and civil trials.
Military personnel implicated in the case will first be tried before court martials, while civilians — including Mr Amandi — are expected to be prosecuted in civil courts.
About Amandi
Stanley Amandi is known in Nollywood as an actor, production manager and director, with appearances in several films. He also previously served as chairman of the Enugu State chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria.
