Entertainment

Nollywood Actor Stanley Amandi Arrested Over Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu

Published

4 days ago

January 31, 2026

The Nigerian film industry was plunged into controversy this week following the arrest of Nollywood actor, filmmaker, and former Enugu State chairperson of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Stanley Amandi, over his alleged involvement in a failed coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Sources revealed that Amandi was arrested in Enugu alongside several serving military officers suspected of participating in the plot. Initially, his family believed he was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS), but the agency later confirmed in an official communication that he is currently in the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

It was gathered that Amandi’s family has formally requested access to him through the DIA, seeking permission for visits by his wife, legal counsel, and a medical doctor due to his reported hypertensive condition.

According to an investigative report by Premium Times, the actor is suspected to have played a key role in the media and messaging operations of the alleged coup plan. Authorities believe he was positioned as a civilian propagandist to shape public opinion and justify an unconstitutional takeover, making him a civilian collaborator in what security officials describe as a grave national security breach.

The alleged plot reportedly came to light months ago after a concerned military officer alerted senior commanders about suspicious meetings and discussions pointing to plans to overthrow the government. Intelligence gathered by security agencies later corroborated the claims, revealing that some officers were exploring ways to destabilise Nigeria’s democratic order.

Further investigations uncovered a wider network of collaborators and an alleged plan that included discussions about assassinating top political leaders, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas. Coordinated arrests were subsequently carried out across multiple locations to prevent the plot from progressing.

What initially appeared to be routine military disciplinary actions reportedly escalated into a major national security investigation as more details emerged.

As legal proceedings continue, the case has generated widespread public debate, not only because of its political implications but also due to the rare involvement of a prominent figure from Nigeria’s entertainment industry in an alleged coup plot of such magnitude.

The Beacon NG Newspaper

Nollywood Actor Stanley Amandi Arrested Over Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu

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