An alleged failed coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration has garnered significant national attention, particularly with the reported involvement of Nollywood actor and filmmaker Stanley “Stan K. Amandi” Amandi. PREMIUM TIMES initially reported Amandi’s arrest in September 2025 alongside several military officers. While his name only entered the public domain months later, investigators identified him as a propagandist for the alleged coup plotters.

Authorities further alleged that the group planned to assassinate senior government officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, among others. The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), of which Amandi is a member, has acknowledged the reports. AGN President Abubakar Yakubu stated that the guild is aware of the sensitive national issue and is still digesting the information, gathering more facts before taking any definitive steps. He emphasized caution, noting that such an issue falls outside the guild’s usual operational scope, unlike matters on a movie set.

Further details emerged regarding the alleged plot, including the acquisition of 32 Volkswagen Golf and SUV vehicles. Security sources revealed that these vehicles were purchased to disguise movements, gather intelligence, and facilitate discreet access to sensitive locations like airports, aiding the plotters’ covert operations. Documentary records, including receipts and transaction trails, were reportedly recovered as evidence. The investigation has also identified a retired major general, identified as Adamu, as a key figure who has evaded arrest, with three other suspects remaining on the run. One fleeing suspect was tracked to a South American country. Multiple security agencies are collaborating to dismantle remaining cells, and preparations for prosecution are advancing. At least 25 military officers and personnel are expected to face court-martial, pending presidential approval. An unspecified number of civilians are also in custody, being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the State Security Services (SSS) for alleged roles in financing, logistics, and coordination, with more arrests anticipated.

Amandi, born in Enugu State, began his acting career as a teenager and has featured in numerous Nollywood productions alongside veterans such as Ngozi Ezeonu, the late Zulu Adigwe, Patience Ozokwor, and Nkem Owoh. He is also a filmmaker and producer, credited with introducing actor Harry Anyanwu to the industry. Amandi previously served as the chairman of the Enugu State chapter of the AGN and was later appointed sole administrator of the chapter in December 2022 following the suspension of its former chairman. His directorial portfolio includes titles like “The Album,” “Nkwocha,” “Tiger King,” and “Tiger King 2,” while he has acted in films such as “Lionheart,” “Bachelors,” “Monica the Fighter,” and “Another Bondage.” He attended Union Secondary School, Awkunanaw, and later obtained a degree from the University of Port Harcourt between 1982 and 1986, listing Humanities.MBA., MGT as qualifications. He also attended Enugu State University of Science and Technology.

In a September 2025 interview with First Mate Multimedia, Amandi spoke about professional challenges, alleging a fellow director repeatedly deprived him of roles and proper financial compensation. He also addressed the unprofessional conduct of some young producers and production managers within the industry. As former AGN chairman, he noted receiving reports about homosexuality within the industry, though he stated he lacked direct knowledge of its operations. Amandi’s last known Instagram post was on September 19, 2025, shortly before his arrest, which has since sparked considerable controversy among netizens.

The backdrop to this ongoing investigation includes an October report by PREMIUM TIMES from the previous year, which detailed the arrest of 16 military officers for a coup plot, led by Colonel Muhammed Ma’aji. This earlier plot also targeted high-ranking officials including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the then Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa. The plot’s discovery in late September 2025 led to the cancellation of the Independence Day parade. Initially, military authorities denied a coup plot, attributing arrests to “indiscipline and breach of service regulations” and citing “career stagnation and failure in promotion examinations.” However, on January 26, the military finally admitted to the coup plot, confirming that indicted officers would face arraignment. Following the failed attempt, President Tinubu sacked several service chiefs, elevating Olufemi Oluyede to Chief of Defence Staff and retaining Emmanuel Undiandeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence. Christopher Musa was later recalled and appointed Minister of Defence.