Nigerian security authorities have arrested Nollywood filmmaker and actor Stanley Amandi in connection with an alleged plan by some military officers to violently remove President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from office, according to information from government sources familiar with the investigation.
Mr. Tinubu is Nigeria’s President, leading Africa’s most populous country. Those briefed on the case said Mr. Amandi was arrested in September 2025 alongside military officers accused of preparing a forceful takeover that allegedly included plans to kill senior government officials.
This is the first time Mr. Amandi’s alleged involvement has been publicly linked to the case. Okay News reports that investigators believe he was recruited to act as a propagandist for the alleged plotters, who were said to be planning coordinated attacks and public messaging to support a takeover.
Officials familiar with the inquiry said the suspects allegedly discussed targeting President Tinubu, Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima, Nigeria’s Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Nigeria’s Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, among other senior figures.
Military Says Case File Completed
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, the top military administrative body that coordinates the country’s armed forces, confirmed on Monday 26 January 2026 that it had investigated claims of an attempt to illegally oust the Tinubu administration.
In a statement, the Defence Headquarters said its investigation had been concluded and forwarded to higher authorities under military regulations. It added that the probe reviewed the conduct of the affected personnel and identified officers facing allegations connected to an attempted overthrow, describing such actions as “inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
The Defence Headquarters also said the indicted officers would be taken before military judicial panels.
Earlier Arrests And Alleged Attempts To Downplay The Case
The investigation follows earlier reports that 16 officers were being questioned over an alleged coup plan. At the time, the Nigerian Army said those under investigation were being probed for indiscipline and breaches of service rules.
Sources familiar with the wider inquiry said additional military personnel and civilians were later arrested as investigators expanded the case beyond the initial group.
According to those sources, military officers linked to the allegations are expected to face court martial proceedings first, with possible follow-up cases in civilian courts where applicable. Civilians implicated in the matter, including Mr. Amandi, are expected to be tried in regular civil courts.
Who Is Stanley Amandi?
Mr. Amandi is a Nigerian filmmaker and actor associated with Nollywood, the country’s large film industry that produces movies for audiences across Africa and beyond. He is also known as a director and production manager.
He previously served as chairperson of the Enugu State chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN). Enugu State is in south-east Nigeria.
His credited work includes directing “The Album,” directing and producing “Tiger King” in 2008, producing “Cornerstone” in 2019, and appearing as an actor in “Once Upon a Dream” in 2024.
A review of his public social media activity shows his last Instagram post was on Friday 19 September 2025, shortly before his reported arrest.
