The arrest of a Nollywood filmmaker has added a twist to Nigeria’s recent security concerns, following revelations of an alleged plan to violently overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Nollywood actor and director Stanley Amandi was reportedly arrested alongside military officers accused of plotting a coup against the Federal Government.
According to Premium Times, Amandi was taken into custody in September 2025, although details of his alleged involvement only became public this week.
Amandi is a well-known figure in Nollywood and a former chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in Enugu State.
His last activity on Instagram was recorded on September 19, shortly before his arrest, further fueling speculation around the case.
According to sources familiar with the investigation, the actor was allegedly recruited as a propagandist by the suspected coup planners.
The group was said to be working on a violent strategy aimed at destabilising the government.
Moreover, intelligence briefings indicated that senior government officials were allegedly marked for assassination during the planned takeover.
Government sources previously disclosed that those allegedly targeted included President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.
However, authorities moved swiftly, and the plot was reportedly neutralised before it could be carried out.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters confirmed on Monday that investigations into the alleged coup plot against Tinubu have been concluded.
In a statement, the military said the probe was “comprehensive” and conducted in line with established procedures, examining “all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.”
The Defence Headquarters added that the findings had been forwarded to “appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.”
It further described the actions of the implicated officers as “inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
Last October, the military had confirmed that 16 officers were under investigation, although the case was initially described as involving “indiscipline and breach of service regulations.” However, further arrests were later made, including civilians allegedly connected to the plot.
Sources revealed that military suspects will first face court-martials before possible civil trials. Civilians implicated in the alleged coup plot against Tinubu, including Amandi, are expected to be tried in regular courts.
Despite the allegations, the case remains before the courts, and no conviction has been recorded.
