Nollywood Actor Stanley Amandi Arrested in Connection with Alleged Plot to Overthrow Tinubu

Nollywood filmmaker and actor Stanley Amandi has been detained in relation to reports that certain military officers planned a violent coup against President Bola Tinubu’s government.

Mr Amandi, a director and former chairman of the Enugu State chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, was arrested in September 2025, according to sources familiar with the investigation. 

This is the first time details of his alleged involvement have been made public.

Investigators say the actor was hired by the suspected coup plotters to act as a propagandist, helping to shape messaging linked to the alleged plan. The plot reportedly involved plans to assassinate senior government officials as part of a violent takeover.

Government sources earlier briefed on the investigation said those marked for elimination allegedly included President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, among others.

On Monday, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed that some military officers had been implicated in a plan to illegally remove the Tinubu administration. The military said those involved would be arraigned before military judicial panels.

In a statement, the DHQ said investigations into the matter had been concluded and forwarded to the “appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.” It described the probe as “comprehensive,” noting that it examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.

The military added that its findings identified several officers accused of plotting against the government, describing such actions as inconsistent with the ethics and professional standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

In October last year, reports emerged that 16 officers were under investigation for allegedly planning a coup, though the army at the time said the probe was for “indiscipline and breach of service regulations.” Further investigations later led to the arrest of additional military officers and civilians.

Sources close to the case say suspects, including senior military officers, are expected to face both court martials and civil trials. Military personnel will be tried first under military law, while civilians implicated in the alleged plot — including Mr Amandi — will be prosecuted in civil courts.

Mr Amandi is a familiar face in Nollywood, having worked as an actor, director, and production manager. His notable projects include The Album and Tiger King (both as director), Cornerstone (2019), and Once Upon a Dream (2024), in which he appeared as an actor.

His last post on Instagram was made on 19 September 2025, just days before his arrest.