Nollywood Actor Stanley Amandi Arrested in Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu
Nollywood filmmaker and actor Stanley Amandi has been arrested in connection with an alleged coup plot aimed at violently overthrowing the administration of President Bola Tinubu, according to reports from Premium Times. The arrest, which occurred in September 2025, marks a significant development in a case that has implicated both military personnel and civilians in a conspiracy to destabilize the Nigerian government.
Details of the Alleged Coup Plot
Amandi, who previously served as the chairperson of the Enugu State Chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, was reportedly hired by alleged coup plotters to act as a propagandist in their scheme. The plot involved plans to assassinate top government officials, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shetima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, among others. This revelation marks the first time Amandi's alleged involvement has been made public, shedding light on the broader scope of the conspiracy.
The actor's last Instagram post was made on 19 September 2025, shortly before his arrest, indicating a sudden halt in his public activities. Sources familiar with the investigation have disclosed that the alleged plotters intended to carry out a violent takeover, targeting key figures in the government for elimination. This has raised serious concerns about national security and the integrity of democratic institutions in Nigeria.
Military and Government Response
On Monday, the Defence Headquarters confirmed the existence of the plot to illegally oust the Tinubu administration, announcing that the indicted officers will be arraigned before military judicial panels. In an official statement, the military stated that the investigation has been completed and forwarded to the appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations. The investigation was described as comprehensive and conducted in accordance with established procedures, examining all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.
The findings identified a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, with the military condemning such conduct as inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. This follows earlier reports from last October, when 16 officers were being investigated for allegedly planning a coup, though the army initially claimed they were being probed for indiscipline and breach of service regulations.
Ongoing Investigations and Legal Proceedings
Further investigations have led to the arrest of more officers and civilians in connection with the matter. Sources indicate that the suspects, including senior military officers, are expected to face trials in both civil courts and military court martials as investigators close in on the alleged plotters. Military officers among the suspects will first undergo court martials before potential civil proceedings, while civilians implicated in the plot, such as Mr. Amandi, will be tried exclusively in civil courts.
This dual-track approach underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the government's commitment to upholding the rule of law. The case highlights the intersection of civilian and military elements in security threats, prompting calls for enhanced vigilance and cooperation between security agencies.
Background on Stanley Amandi
Stanley Amandi is a well-known figure in the Nollywood industry, with a career spanning acting, production management, and directing. His notable works include:
- The Album – where he served as director
- Tiger King – directed and produced in 2008
- Cornerstone – produced in 2019
- Once Upon a Dream – appeared as an actor in 2024
His arrest has sent shockwaves through the entertainment community, raising questions about the involvement of public figures in political conspiracies. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case is likely to attract significant public attention, given its implications for national security and the reputation of Nigeria's film industry.
