Nollywood Actor Arrested Over Alleged Involvement in Coup Plot

Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Stanley Amandi, has been arrested for his alleged role in a plot to violently overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Igbere TV reports.

Amandi, who is also a director and former Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter, was taken into custody in September 2025.

According to PREMIUM TIMES, the actor was allegedly recruited by military coup plotters to serve as a propagandist. The plan reportedly involved the assassination of top government officials, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

On Monday, the Defence Headquarters confirmed the existence of the plot, stating that the investigation is complete and the implicated officers will face military court-martial. The military described the conduct of the accused as a violation of the armed forces’ ethical and professional standards.

While the army had previously stated that 16 officers were being probed for “indiscipline,” it is now understood that more officers and civilians, including Amandi, were later arrested in connection with the alleged coup.

Sources indicate that the suspects will face separate legal proceedings: military personnel will be tried via court-martial, while civilians like Amandi will be prosecuted in civil courts.

Stanley Amandi is known for his work as an actor, director, and production manager in films such as “The Album,” “Tiger King,” “Cornerstone,” and “Once Upon a Dream.” His last known public activity was an Instagram post on September 19, 2025, shortly before his arrest.