Stanley Amandi, a prominent filmmaker and actor, was apprehended in connection with a conspiracy involving military officers aimed at violently overthrowing President Bola Tinubu's government, according to reports from Premium Times.
Amandi, who previously served as the chairman of the Enugu State Chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, was taken into custody in September 2025.
His last update on Instagram was on September 19, just before his arrest.
This incident marks the first instance where Amandi's purported role in the coup plot has been made publicly known.
Reports suggest that the actor had been employed by the alleged coup conspirators to act as a propagandist in a scheme to eliminate high-ranking government officials last year.
According to allegations, the plotters aimed to carry out a violent seizure of power, targeting several key officials for assassination.
Government insiders who were informed about the conspiracy indicated that the plot intended to assassinate President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shetima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, among others.
On Monday, the Defence Headquarters confirmed the conspiracy to unlawfully depose the Tinubu administration, announcing that the implicated military personnel will be brought before military judicial panels.
The Defence Headquarters reported that the inquiry into the situation has concluded and has been submitted to the relevant superior authorities in accordance with existing regulations.
Military statements indicated that the investigation was thorough and adhered to established protocols, considering all factors related to the actions of those involved.
It was revealed that the probe uncovered several officers linked to the coup scheme, which was labeled as conduct that contradicts the ethics, values, and standards expected of Nigeria's Armed Forces.
In October of the previous year, 16 military personnel were under investigation for their potential involvement in a coup, with the army claiming the focus was on issues of misconduct and violation of service standards.
Furthermore, it has been reported that additional military personnel and civilians were arrested later in relation to this case.
Sources close to the unfolding investigation have indicated that both senior military officers and other suspects are anticipated to face trials in civil courts and military court-martials as inquiries into the alleged conspiracy continue.
Military personnel involved in the plot will initially undergo court martial proceedings, whereas civilians implicated, including Amandi, are likely to face civil court trials.
Stanley Amandi has had a notable career in Nollywood, known for his acting, production management, and directing roles.
His significant contributions to the film industry include directing “The Album,” and the 2008 production “Tiger King,” as well as the 2019 film “Cornerstone,” alongside acting in “Once Upon a Dream,” released in 2024.
Comments (0)
You must be logged in to comment.
Be the first to comment on this article!