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 Ahmed Tinubu, PREMIUM TIMES has reported.
Mr Amandi, a well-known director and former chairperson of the Enugu State Chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, was arrested in September 2025 alongside several military personnel accused of planning an illegal takeover of the federal government. Until now, details of the actor’s alleged involvement in the matter had not been made public.
According to information gathered by PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Amandi was allegedly engaged by the suspected coup plotters to function as a propagandist, tasked with shaping narratives and messaging in support of the planned uprising. Government sources familiar with the investigation said the alleged plot extended beyond a simple power grab and included plans to assassinate top government officials.
Those reportedly marked for elimination included President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, among other senior figures in government. The alleged plan, according to the sources, was to destabilise the country through coordinated violence and seize power unlawfully.
Military Confirms Investigation
On Monday, the Defence Headquarters formally confirmed that it had concluded investigations into the alleged attempt to overthrow the Tinubu administration. In a statement, the military said the probe into the conduct of the indicted officers had been completed and forwarded to “appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.”
The Defence Headquarters described the investigation as “comprehensive,” noting that it was carried out in accordance with established military procedures. It said the probe examined “all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.”
According to the statement, the findings identified “a number of the officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government,” adding that such actions were “inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
The military further disclosed that the indicted officers would be arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels, signalling the commencement of formal disciplinary and legal processes.
Earlier Arrests and Alleged Cover-Up
The alleged coup plot first came to public attention in October 2025, when PREMIUM TIMES reported that at least 16 military officers were under investigation for planning to topple the government. At the time, the Nigerian Army downplayed the matter, stating that the officers were merely being investigated for “indiscipline and breach of service regulations.”
However, subsequent findings revealed that the investigation went far beyond routine disciplinary issues. Sources close to the matter said additional military officers and civilians were later arrested as investigators uncovered what they described as a broader and more coordinated plan.
According to these sources, the suspects include senior officers within the Armed Forces as well as civilians accused of providing logistical, strategic or media-related support to the alleged plotters.
Legal Proceedings Expected
Investigators are said to be preparing for multiple layers of prosecution as the case unfolds. Military officers implicated in the alleged plot are expected to face court martial proceedings in line with military law. Depending on the outcome, they may also be subjected to civil trials under Nigerian law.
Civilians arrested in connection with the matter, including Mr Amandi, are expected to be tried in regular civil courts. Legal experts note that offences relating to treason, conspiracy and acts aimed at violently overthrowing a constitutional government carry severe penalties under Nigerian law.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Defence Headquarters nor law enforcement agencies had disclosed the specific charges to be brought against Mr Amandi and other civilian suspects.
Profile of the Arrested Filmmaker
Stanley Amandi is a familiar name in Nigeria’s film industry, having worked extensively as an actor, director and production manager. He previously served as chairperson of the Enugu State Chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, a position that placed him prominently within Nollywood’s professional circles.
Over the years, Mr Amandi has featured in and directed several films. His works include “The Album,” which he directed, and “Tiger King,” a 2008 production that he also directed. In 2019, he produced “Cornerstone,” further cementing his reputation behind the camera. More recently, he appeared as an actor in the 2024 film “Once Upon a Dream.”
His professional activities on social media appeared to come to an abrupt halt shortly before his arrest. Records show that his last post on Instagram was made on September 19, 2025, just days before he was taken into custody.
Silence From Suspect’s Camp
Attempts to obtain comments from Mr Amandi’s legal representatives were unsuccessful as of the time of this report. The Actors Guild of Nigeria has also not issued an official statement regarding the arrest of its former Enugu State chairman.
Industry observers say the development has sent shockwaves through Nollywood, raising concerns about the intersection of entertainment, politics and national security. Some colleagues of the actor, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed disbelief at the allegations, while others called for patience and respect for due process.
National Security Concerns
The alleged plot has renewed debates about internal security, civil-military relations and the role of civilians in acts that threaten constitutional order. Analysts say the involvement of both military personnel and civilians, if proven, underscores the complexity of modern security threats facing the country.
For now, authorities insist that the situation is under control and that Nigeria’s democratic institutions remain intact. The Defence Headquarters reiterated its commitment to upholding professionalism within the Armed Forces and ensuring accountability for any conduct deemed contrary to the nation’s laws and values.
As investigations transition into formal trials, Nigerians are expected to closely follow developments in a case that combines elements of national security, celebrity involvement and high-level political intrigue.
