The Nigerian military has detained veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker Stanley Amandi over his alleged involvement in a foiled coup plot targeting the administration of President Bola Tinubu, in a development that has sent shockwaves through the country’s political and entertainment circles.
An exclusive report by Premium Times revealed that Amandi, a former chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in Enugu State, was arrested in September 2025 alongside several serving military officers accused of planning a violent takeover of government. The report identified Amandi as a civilian figure linked to the alleged conspiracy, which investigators say posed a grave threat to national security.
Sources familiar with the investigation claimed that the plot went beyond an attempted seizure of power, with plans allegedly drawn up to assassinate top government officials. Those reportedly named as targets included President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
The Defence Headquarters on Monday confirmed that it had uncovered a coordinated scheme aimed at unlawfully removing the Tinubu administration. In an official statement, the military said investigations had been concluded and formally submitted to higher authorities in line with established procedures.
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According to the statement, the probe was comprehensive and followed due process, examining the conduct of all individuals implicated. The military disclosed that a number of officers were found to have acted in ways that breached the ethics, values, and professional standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. Those officers, it added, would face military judicial panels.
Stanley Amandi is a well-known name in the Nigerian film industry, with decades of experience as an actor, director, producer, and production manager. His body of work includes directing films such as The Album and Tiger King, and acting roles in Cornerstone and Once Upon a Dream, both released in 2024. His arrest has therefore drawn intense public attention, particularly within Nollywood.
Further reports noted that Amandi’s last activity on Instagram was on September 19, 2025, just days before his reported arrest, adding to speculation surrounding his sudden disappearance from public view.
As at the time of filing this report, neither Amandi nor his legal representatives have issued an official statement responding to the allegations, while the military has maintained that the matter remains within the framework of national security and military justice.
