Coup: Nollywood actor involved in plot to overthrow Tinubu revealed

A Nollywood filmmaker and former Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) chairman, Stanley Amandi, has been arrested in connection with an alleged plot to violently overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Amandi, a director and former chairperson of the Enugu State chapter of the AGN, was arrested in September 2025, alongside several military officers accused of planning a coup.

This is the first time details of the actor’s alleged role in the plot are emerging publicly.

According to a report by Premium Times, Amandi was allegedly recruited as a civilian propagandist by the suspected plotters, who were said to be working towards destabilising the government and mobilising public sentiment ahead of the planned takeover.

Investigators alleged that the plot included plans to assassinate top government officials, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.

The Defence Headquarters confirmed earlier this week that it had concluded investigations into the alleged coup attempt.

In a statement, the military said officers implicated in the plot would be arraigned before military judicial panels, describing the alleged actions as “inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

According to the military, findings from the probe identified “a number of officers” linked to the alleged attempt to illegally remove the government.

The alleged plot first came to public attention in October 2025, when reports emerged that at least 16 officers were under investigation. At the time, the Army said the probe was related to “indiscipline and breach of service regulations.”

Premium Times futher disclosed that more suspects, both military and civilian, were later arrested, and that trials are expected to proceed through court martials for military officers and civil courts for civilians, including Amandi.

The arrested actor is a known figure in Nollywood, having worked as an actor, production manager and director. His credits include The Album, Tiger King, Cornerstone, and Once Upon a Dream.

Amandi’s last social media activity was reportedly in September 2025, shortly before his arrest.