Veteran Nollywood actor Stanley Amandi, known for his on-screen storytelling, is now at the center of a national security investigation over his alleged involvement in a planned military takeover of President Bola Tinubu's government. According to investigation records exclusively obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, Amandi, a former chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Enugu State chapter, allegedly accepted an assignment to coordinate propaganda efforts across the South-east if the coup succeeded.
From Film Sets to Coup Plots: The Actor's Alleged Role
Amandi's statement to investigators provides a detailed account of how a friendship with a soldier evolved into meetings discussing unconstitutional government change and civilian roles to legitimize a new regime. This account is part of the proof of evidence filed by the prosecution in the ongoing coup trials before the General Court Martial and the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The investigation followed intelligence reports in September 2025 about an alleged conspiracy involving military officers and civilians. Six defendants are now standing trial on 13 charges, including treason, terrorism, and money laundering. Investigators believe the plot targeted President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and other top officials.
A Chance Meeting at a Filmmakers' Gathering
Amandi told investigators he met Warrant Officer Nas at a filmmakers' gathering at Newberries Park, National Museum, Enugu. What seemed like an ordinary encounter became a friendship, with Amandi visiting the barracks frequently, watching football and playing table tennis. "I now started seeing the barracks as my home," he said.
Months later, Nas invited him to a Ramadan breaking-of-fast in Abuja, organized by Colonel Mohammed Ma'aji. Despite initial reluctance, Amandi attended, and after the event, he was taken to another hotel where discussions shifted to Nigeria's political and economic challenges, including fuel subsidy removal and insecurity.
The Assignment: Mobilizing Support in the South-east
Amandi was allegedly asked to coordinate public support across the South-east after the takeover, organizing celebrations and engaging social media influencers to create an impression of public endorsement. He was to prepare a budget for activities across the five South-east states. When asked about a role in the new government, Amandi said he rejected any appointment, stating, "I told them I was not interested in any appointment."
Despite his reservations about the feasibility, an estimated budget of about N50 million was prepared. He admitted receiving N100,000 as "appreciation" after the Abuja meeting, which he thanked Ma'aji for. He also shared social media content, including a skit by comedian Okey Bakassi and a video by "EX-Man," a former soldier critical of the military.
Arrest and Defense
As coup reports surfaced, Amandi grew worried and tried to contact Nas, but he was unreachable. He was arrested on 11 November 2025. He claimed he considered reporting the plot but was deterred by a subtle threat from Nas that any leak would result in the person being "taken out."
No charges have been filed against Amandi yet, but other defendants have denied wrongdoing and challenged the admissibility of their statements, arguing they were obtained without due process. The court has yet to rule on these objections.
