Nollywood Actor Stanley Amandi Arrested Over Alleged Coup Plot — Sources

Nollywood actor, director, and producer Stanley Amandi has been arrested by security authorities over his alleged involvement in a plot to unlawfully remove President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, according to multiple sources familiar with the investigation.

Sources said Amandi was taken into custody in September 2025 alongside several serving and retired military officers accused of planning a violent takeover of government. A senior official of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) confirmed the arrest, noting that Amandi previously served as chairman of the AGN’s Enugu State chapter.

Investigators allege that Amandi played a supporting role in the suspected plot by providing media-related services, including assistance with propaganda and public messaging for the officers involved. Security sources further claim the plan involved targeting senior political office holders.

According to officials familiar with the investigation, those allegedly marked for assassination included President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas. Authorities said the alleged objective was to destabilise the country and forcibly install a new leadership.

The Defence Headquarters earlier confirmed the existence of a coup plot, stating that several military personnel are under investigation for conduct incompatible with constitutional order and military professionalism. In a statement released this week, the military said the implicated officers would face trial before appropriate military judicial panels.

The Defence Headquarters added that investigations had been concluded and forwarded to higher authorities in line with established procedures, describing the inquiry as extensive and covering communications, activities, and conduct of those involved.

Stanley Amandi has worked in the Nigerian film industry for more than a decade, with credits as an actor, director, and producer across several Nollywood productions.