Nollywood Actor Stanley Amandi arrested over alleged coup plot against Tinubu

The Arrest of Nollywood Actor Stanley Amandi Over Alleged Coup Plot Against President Tinubu

In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s entertainment and political spheres, Nollywood actor and film director Stanley Amandi has been arrested in connection with an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu.

The arrest, which reportedly took place in September 2025, has drawn widespread attention due to Amandi’s prominence in the film industry and the gravity of the accusations leveled against him.

According to sources within the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Amandi, who once served as chairman of the AGN Enugu State chapter, was allegedly recruited by military officers as a media propagandist for the conspiracy.

Investigators claim that the plot involved plans to violently overthrow the Tinubu administration and assassinate senior government officials. Among those reportedly targeted were President Bola Tinubu himself, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed the existence of what it described as an unlawful scheme to unseat the current administration. In its official statement, the DHQ revealed that investigations had been concluded and forwarded to superior authorities in line with military regulations. It emphasized that the inquiry was comprehensive, covering all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the implicated personnel.

The military further noted that the actions of the accused officers were inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards expected of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Stanley Amandi’s arrest has stunned Nollywood, where he is known for his contributions as an actor, director, and production manager. His filmography includes directing The Album, producing and directing Tiger King (2008), directing Cornerstone (2019), and acting in Once Upon a Dream (2024). His last known social media activity was an Instagram post on September 19, 2025, just days before his arrest, which now appears to have been his final public communication before being taken into custody.

The case has raised serious questions about the intersection of Nigeria’s cultural sector and political instability. While coup attempts have historically been associated with military figures, the alleged involvement of a Nollywood actor underscores the evolving nature of political dissent and propaganda in the digital age.

The trial of the implicated officers is expected to proceed before military judicial panels, with Amandi’s role likely to be scrutinized in detail.

This development has not only unsettled the entertainment industry but also heightened concerns about national security and the resilience of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

As the country awaits further proceedings, the arrest of Stanley Amandi remains a stark reminder of the fragile balance between politics, media, and public influence in contemporary Nigeria.