Abuja, Nigeria — A prominent Nollywood actor, Stanley Amandi, has been arrested for his alleged involvement in a foiled conspiracy to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, security sources confirmed.
According to investigations, Amandi — a filmmaker and former chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in Enugu State — was recruited by suspected coup plotters to serve as a key propagandist, assisting in messaging efforts ahead of the planned takeover.
The alleged coup was uncovered in late September 2025 through a coordinated intelligence operation led by the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS). The operation resulted in the arrest of several serving military officers and civilians.
The Defence Headquarters has since confirmed that its investigation identified a number of officers with credible allegations of planning to unlawfully remove the Tinubu administration. Those implicated are set to be arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels.
Sources familiar with the case said the plot reportedly included plans to target top government officials, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House, among others, though the operation was neutralised before it could be executed.
Amandi’s arrest, which occurred in September 2025 but was only publicly disclosed recently, marks a rare instance of a civilian — outside the military ranks — being linked to the alleged conspiracy.
The military has emphasised that its actions are in accordance with established procedures and designed to uphold discipline and constitutional order within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
As proceedings continue, military personnel will face court-martial where applicable, while civilian suspects are expected to be prosecuted in regular courts.
Credit: Premium Times