Breaking Sh*ckwave: Nollywood Actor Arrested Over Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu

According to a report by Premium Times, Amandi—who is also a director and former chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Enugu State chapter—was taken into custody in September 2025. His arrest is the first public indication of his alleged connection to the foiled coup attempt.

Investigations revealed that the actor was reportedly recruited by the suspected plotters to serve as a propagandist, helping to spread messages in preparation for what security sources described as a planned violent takeover of government.

Government officials briefed on the case claimed the conspirators allegedly intended to assassinate top political leaders, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, among others.

On Monday, the Defence Headquarters officially confirmed that investigations uncovered an attempt to unlawfully remove the Tinubu administration. The military stated that officers implicated in the matter would be tried before military judicial panels.

In its statement, the Defence Headquarters noted that the investigation had been completed and submitted to the “appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.”

“The comprehensive investigation, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel,” the statement said.

The military added that findings pointed to “a number of officers” facing allegations of plotting against the government, describing such actions as contrary to the ethics and professional standards expected of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Reports last October had claimed that 16 military officers were being investigated for coup-related activities. At the time, the army dismissed the reports, saying the officers were only being probed for “indiscipline and breach of service regulations.”

However, further inquiries reportedly resulted in the arrest of additional officers and civilians, including Amandi.

Sources familiar with the investigation disclosed that suspects would face both court-martial proceedings and civilian trials, depending on whether they are military personnel or civilians.

Serving officers are expected to be tried first before military tribunals, while civilians implicated in the alleged plot—including the Nollywood actor—will be prosecuted in regular courts.

Stanley Amandi is a recognized figure in Nollywood, having worked as an actor, director, and production manager. Some of his notable works include The Album (director), Tiger King (director/producer, 2008), Cornerstone (2019), and Once Upon a Dream (actor, 2024).