Nollywood filmmaker Stanley Amandi arrested alongside officers for alleged involvement in a coup plot against President Tinubu
Nollywood filmmaker and actor Stanley Amandi was arrested alongside military officers accused of planning a violent overthrow of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Also read: Nigerian Military Officers held over coup plot to overthrow President Tinubu
The arrest, which occurred in September 2025, marks the first public disclosure of Mr Amandi’s alleged role in the plot.
According to government sources, the actor was recruited by the alleged coup plotters to act as a propagandist, while the officers allegedly aimed to assassinate top government officials, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima,
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.
On Monday, the Defence Headquarters confirmed the existence of the plot, stating that the investigation has been completed and forwarded to the “appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.”
The military described the investigation as “comprehensive,” conducted in accordance with established procedures, and concluded that a number of officers engaged in conduct “inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
The arrests follow initial reports last October that 16 officers were under investigation for alleged indiscipline, which sources later revealed were linked to coup planning.
Additional officers and civilians, including Mr Amandi, were subsequently detained as the probe expanded.
The military confirmed that implicated officers will face court martials, while civilians, including the actor, will be tried in civil courts. Sources familiar with the investigation noted that trials are expected to proceed swiftly as authorities close in on all alleged plotters.
Mr Amandi is a veteran Nollywood actor, director, and production manager. His notable works include directing The Album, producing and directing Tiger King in 2008, producing Cornerstone in 2019, and acting in Once Upon a Dream in 2024.
His last public social media activity was an Instagram post on 19 September 2025, shortly before his arrest.
Also read: Timipre Sylva linked to alleged coup funding probe
The development has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s film and security sectors, highlighting the severe implications of civilian involvement in alleged military conspiracies.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
