A Nollywood filmmaker and actor, Stanley Amandi, has been arrested alongside a group of military officers accused of plotting a violent overthrow of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, marking the most prominent civilian named in the foiled coup attempt that has rocked Nigeria’s political and security landscape in recent months.
According to investigation reports, Amandi, a director, production manager, and former chairman of the Enugu State chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, was taken into custody in September 2025.
Alleged Role as Propagandist in Coup Plot
This arrest marks the first public disclosure of Amandi’s alleged role as civilian operative in the failed coup.
Security sources familiar with the probe allege that suspected coup plotters recruited Amandi as propagandist.
His purported task: to help shape public narratives and sway public opinion in favor of the planned violent takeover.
Investigators believe the plotters sought to leverage Amandi’s prominence and influence within Nigeria’s film industry and media circles to legitimize or gain support for their illicit plans.
Targeted Assassinations and Government Overthrow
Government officials, briefed on the matter, allege that the plotters’ plans extended far beyond propaganda.
Sources: Plotters allegedly planned assassinations of Tinubu, Shettima, Akpabio, Abbas as prelude to violent power seizure.
Alleged plot’s scale shocks observers, sparking fears of top-level government infiltration and dire internal security threats.
The Defence Headquarters confirmed on Monday that its extensive investigation had uncovered a concrete plan to illegally oust the Tinubu administration.
In official statement, military announced probe conclusion, forwarding findings to superior authority per regulations.
The statement emphasized the seriousness of the allegations.
“The comprehensive investigation, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.”
Military and Civilian Prosecution Paths
Defence Headquarters disclosed they identified several officers as active conspiracy participants.
Labeling their conduct as fundamentally inconsistent with the ethics and professional standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Such actions, the statement read, “run counter to the oath of allegiance and the principles that underpin military service in a democracy.”
The military noted that they will arraign indicted officers before military judicial panels, starting court-martial proceedings.
Civilians like Amandi face civil court prosecution under treason, conspiracy laws, not military tribunals, in the foiled Tinubu coup plot.
A Broader Investigation Unfolds
Coup probes began October 2025: 16 officers scrutinized for plotting Tinubu government topple, per initial reports.
Nigerian Army downplayed October 2025 coup claims, probing 16 officers for indiscipline, service breaches, not overthrow plot.
Investigations uncovered wider conspiracy, arresting more military and civilians, including Nollywood’s Stanley Amandi, in Tinubu coup plot.
Sources say suspects get court-martial if military, civil trials if civilian, per their statuses in the plot.
Legal experts note that while military officers are usually tried within the military justice system first.
Civilians are subject to the jurisdiction of civil courts, where penalties for coup plotting and related offenses can be severe.
Stanley Amandi’s Career and Public Profile
Notable works: Directed “The Album”; “Tiger King” (dir/prod, 2008); “Cornerstone” (2019); acted in “Once Upon a Dream” (2024).
Colleagues call Stanley Amandi creative, passionate; shocked by his arrest, alleged coup involvement.
Amandi posted his last Instagram update on September 19, 2025, days before his arrest.
Stanley Amandi’s accounts silent post-arrest; neither he nor reps comment on Tinubu coup allegations publicly.
Awaiting Arraignment and Broader Implications
The intersection of Nollywood and national security has added a dramatic twist to an already high-stakes investigation.
Experts note Stanley Amandi trial’s verdict could profoundly impact ties between Nollywood, creatives, and political activism in Nigeria.
For now, the country awaits further details as authorities prepare to bring the accused to justice.
And questions linger about the true extent of the conspiracy and its potential impact on Nigeria’s democracy.
