Veteran Nollywood actor Stanley Amandi has been taken into custody for allegedly participating in a plot to overthrow the federal government, authorities confirmed Friday.
The arrest, which occurred in September 2025, has shaken Nigeria’s entertainment industry, as Amandi is a well-known figure in film circles and a former chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria’s Enugu chapter.
Investigators claim the actor was recruited by military officers to act as a propagandist in a conspiracy that reportedly included plans to target key government figures, including the President, Vice President, Senate President, and House Speaker.
The Defence Headquarters confirmed a full investigation has been conducted and forwarded to “appropriate superior authority,” describing the inquiry as thorough and in line with military regulations.
Officials stated that some implicated officers acted contrary to military ethics and standards.
Earlier reports indicated that 16 military personnel were under investigation, with subsequent arrests including both service members and civilians.
Legal proceedings woukd see military officers face courtmartial, while civilians, including Amandi, will go through civil courts.
Amandi’s career spans decades in Nollywood, including producing and directing The Album and Tiger King, and acting in Once Upon a Dream in 2024.
His last social media activity was recorded shortly before his arrest.
Security agencies emphasize continued vigilance and pledge full judicial accountability for those involved.
