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Nigeria’s entertainment industry has been rocked by revelations that prominent Nollywood actor and filmmaker Stanley Amandi was arrested in connection with an alleged conspiracy to violently overthrow the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Ejes Gist News reports that the arrest, which occurred quietly in September 2025, has only recently come to public attention, exposing the scale and complexity of the alleged plot.
Amandi, a former chairperson of the Enugu State Chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), was reportedly apprehended alongside several military officers accused of masterminding the plan.
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Sources familiar with the investigation told PREMIUM TIMES that the actor was allegedly recruited to serve as a propagandist, using his media expertise and public profile to further the conspirators’ agenda.
Alleged Targeting of Top Government Officials
According to government sources, the alleged coup went beyond a simple power grab. Investigators claim it included plans to assassinate key government figures, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas. Officials assert that the plan aimed to create a political vacuum that would enable an illegal takeover of government authority.
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The Defence Headquarters confirmed the existence of the plot and stated that investigations have concluded, with cases forwarded to “appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.”
The military described the actions of implicated officers as inconsistent with professional and ethical standards, and confirmed that those charged will face court martial proceedings. Civilians involved, including Amandi, are expected to face prosecution in civil courts for alleged offences such as treason, conspiracy, and acts related to terrorism.
The alleged plot first emerged publicly in October 2025, when PREMIUM TIMES reported that 16 military officers were under investigation for planning to overthrow the government. Sources indicate that additional officers and civilians were later arrested as evidence mounted, including communication trails, meetings, and logistical arrangements pointing to a coordinated civilian-military effort.
Early attempts were reportedly made to downplay the gravity of the investigation, raising concerns about institutional transparency. Security analysts note that the inclusion of a civilian media figure marks a significant escalation in the sophistication of the alleged conspiracy.
Stanley Amandi: Profile
Stanley Amandi is a well-known Nollywood figure, particularly in the South-East. He has worked as an actor, director, and producer, with credits including The Album, Tiger King (2008), Cornerstone (2019), and Once Upon a Dream (2024). His former leadership role in the AGN and media expertise allegedly positioned him to play a propaganda role in the coup plot.
Amandi’s last social media activity was on 19 September 2025, shortly before his arrest. Neither he nor his legal representatives have publicly addressed the allegations, and the Actors Guild of Nigeria has yet to comment.
The case raises significant questions about national security, civil-military relations, and the influence of civilians in political destabilisation. Security analysts warn that the involvement of media-skilled civilians in planning and messaging reflects evolving threats to democratic governance, where propaganda can be as impactful as physical force.
As military and civil trials proceed, Nigerians and international observers will be closely monitoring how authorities handle the allegations. The arrest of a high-profile Nollywood figure highlights the far-reaching scope of the investigation, extending the implications of the plot well beyond traditional military circles into the nation’s cultural and creative sectors.
