How Nollywood actor Stanley Amandi got involved in alleged plot to oust Tinubu – Details emerge

Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker Stanley Amandi has been linked to an alleged plot to mobilise public support across Nigeria’s South-East for a proposed military takeover of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

According to investigation records cited by Premium Times, Amandi was allegedly assigned responsibility for coordinating public mobilisation, social media campaigns and post-takeover celebrations in the region if the alleged plot succeeded.

The records reportedly form part of evidence being relied upon by prosecutors in ongoing proceedings before the Federal High Court and the General Court Martial in Abuja.

However, the allegations against the actor have not been tested in court, and it remained unclear at the time of filing this report whether any formal criminal charges had been filed against him.

Investigation

Security agencies reportedly launched investigations in September 2025 after receiving intelligence about an alleged conspiracy involving serving and retired military officers, alongside civilian collaborators assigned different roles.

Six suspects have since been arraigned before the Federal High Court on charges bordering on treason, terrorism, money laundering and failure to disclose information, while serving military personnel linked to the alleged plot are facing separate court-martial proceedings.

Investigators alleged that members of the network were assigned responsibilities ranging from military strategy, logistics and financing to propaganda and public mobilisation aimed at legitimising a new government.

How Actor Was Allegedly Recruited

In his reported statement to investigators, Amandi said his relationship with the alleged conspirators began after meeting a soldier identified as Warrant Officer Nas during a filmmakers’ event at the National Museum in Enugu.

According to him, what started as a casual acquaintance gradually developed into a friendship, with repeated visits to a military barracks in Enugu where he socialised with military personnel.

The actor said the relationship later led to an invitation to attend a Ramadan breaking-of-fast gathering hosted in Abuja by an army officer identified as Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji.

He stated that after initially declining because of film production commitments, he eventually travelled to Abuja after Ma’aji personally contacted him and flight arrangements were made.

Alleged Abuja Meeting

Amandi claimed the gathering initially appeared to be an ordinary Ramadan event involving prayers and dinner before participants later discussed Nigeria’s economic hardship, insecurity, fuel subsidy removal and governance.

According to his statement, discussions later shifted to an alleged plan to remove the government through unconstitutional means.

He alleged that participants appeared familiar with their assigned responsibilities, suggesting that previous meetings had already taken place.

Alleged South-East Assignment

The actor reportedly told investigators that he was asked to coordinate celebrations across the five South-East states should the proposed takeover succeed.

He was also allegedly instructed to recruit social media influencers to promote the new administration and create the impression of widespread public support.

According to the statement, he was directed to prepare a proposal outlining the strategy and estimated cost of the mobilisation exercise.

Amandi further claimed that although some participants suggested he could receive a political appointment, including an ambassadorial position, he rejected the idea, insisting he had no interest in public office.

₦50 Million Budget

After returning to Enugu, Amandi said he prepared an estimated ₦50 million budget covering logistics, public mobilisation, celebrations and coordinated media campaigns across the South-East.

He reportedly expressed doubts about how such funds would be raised, but claimed he was told the proposal would simply be forwarded to those responsible.

The actor also admitted receiving ₦100,000 after the Abuja meeting, describing it as a gesture of appreciation for attending the gathering.

According to him, he later thanked Ma’aji after the payment was received.

Continued Contact

Although Amandi maintained that he attended no further meetings, he admitted remaining in contact with Warrant Officer Nas and occasionally forwarding social media content he believed would interest members of the group.

He also claimed he became alarmed when reports of an alleged coup plot surfaced publicly and attempted unsuccessfully to contact Nas before security operatives arrested him at his residence on November 11, 2025.

During interrogation, the actor reportedly said he had considered reporting the discussions to security agencies but feared for his life after allegedly being warned that anyone who leaked information about the plot would be killed.

Trial Continues

The defendants already standing trial before the Federal High Court and the General Court Martial have denied all allegations.

They have also challenged the admissibility of statements obtained during military interrogation, arguing that due process was not followed.

The prosecution has urged the court to dismiss those objections, while the trial judge is yet to rule on the admissibility of the disputed statements.

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