What began as an ordinary handshake between a respected Nollywood filmmaker and a soldier at a movie gathering has now become part of one of Nigeria’s most explosive alleged coup investigations.
For years, veteran actor and filmmaker Stanley Amandi built a reputation in the Nigerian movie industry, directing productions, mentoring young creatives and serving as former Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) in Enugu State.
Today, however, his name has surfaced in court documents tied to an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration—a development that has sent shockwaves through both the entertainment industry and Nigeria’s political establishment.
While investigators claim the actor was assigned a strategic propaganda role in the alleged conspiracy, Amandi insists his account tells a more complicated story.
How A Chance Meeting Allegedly Changed Everything
According to investigation records reportedly filed before the courts as part of the prosecution’s evidence, Amandi’s journey into the centre of the controversy allegedly began with what appeared to be an innocent meeting.
The actor told investigators that he met a serving soldier identified as Warrant Officer Nas during a filmmakers’ event at Newberries Park, National Museum, Enugu.
After delivering a lecture to aspiring filmmakers, Amandi said the soldier approached him for a photograph.
What started as a brief encounter gradually developed into a friendship.
“I saw a gentleman in him, and we became friends,” Amandi reportedly stated during interrogation.
The actor admitted he had always been uncomfortable around military personnel, but claimed Nas slowly earned his trust.
Soon, invitations to military barracks became frequent.
According to Amandi, he spent time watching football matches, playing table tennis, attending badminton games and socialising with soldiers.
Eventually, he said, the barracks became a familiar environment.
“I now started seeing the barracks as my home,” he reportedly told investigators.
A Ramadan Invitation That Allegedly Led To Something Bigger
The friendship allegedly took an unexpected turn when Nas invited Amandi to Abuja for a Ramadan breaking-of-fast event reportedly hosted by Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji.
Initially, the filmmaker declined because he was working on a movie project.
He claimed everything changed after Ma’aji personally contacted him and persuaded him to attend.
According to his statement, flight arrangements were made for him, and he travelled to Abuja alongside Nas and another individual identified simply as Cynthia.
The gathering, Amandi claimed, appeared completely normal.
Guests prayed.
They ate.
They exchanged conversations.
Nothing suggested the evening would eventually become linked to allegations of an attempted military takeover.
From Dinner Conversations To Alleged Coup Discussions
According to the actor’s statement, events changed after the Ramadan gathering concluded.
He said he wanted to return to his hotel but was persuaded to wait.
Shortly afterwards, he allegedly joined a convoy travelling to another hotel in Abuja.
Inside one of the rooms, several men had already gathered.
At first, discussions centred on Nigeria’s worsening economic situation.
Participants allegedly spoke about:
- Rising insecurity
- Fuel subsidy removal
- Inflation
- Economic hardship
- Government performance
Amandi reportedly contributed by discussing insecurity and kidnapping across the South-East.
He claimed it soon became obvious that many participants had attended previous meetings and already understood their individual responsibilities.
‘Coordinate Celebrations Across The South-East’
Investigators allege the meeting moved beyond political discussions.
According to Amandi’s reported confession, he was allegedly assigned responsibility for coordinating public celebrations across the five South-East states if the planned military takeover succeeded.
The objective, investigators claim, was to create the impression that residents welcomed the new government.
His alleged responsibilities included:
- Mobilising supporters for public celebrations
- Recruiting social media influencers
- Coordinating online messaging
- Creating positive public perception of the proposed administration
The actor said he was instructed to prepare a detailed operational proposal after returning to Enugu, including projected costs.
The Ambassadorial Offer He Says He Rejected
As conversations reportedly shifted toward appointments under the proposed administration, Amandi claimed some participants suggested he could become an ambassador.
He insisted he rejected the idea.
“I told them I was not interested in any appointment.
“I was satisfied to remain in Nigeria,” he reportedly said.
The Alleged ₦50 Million Mobilisation Budget
Back in Enugu, discussions allegedly continued.
According to Amandi, he warned those involved that mobilising crowds across the South-East would be extremely difficult because residents rarely participate in political demonstrations without compelling reasons.
Despite his reservations, he claimed an estimated ₦50 million budget was eventually prepared.
The proposal allegedly covered:
- Public mobilisation
- Celebration logistics
- Media campaigns
- Transportation
- Coordination across the region
“I was wondering how they would get such an amount,” he reportedly recalled.
According to him, Nas simply told him the budget would be forwarded to those responsible.
The ₦100,000 Payment
Amandi admitted receiving ₦100,000 after returning from Abuja.
According to his account, Nas later informed him that Colonel Ma’aji wanted to appreciate him for attending the gathering.
He provided his bank details and received the money before sending a message expressing gratitude.
The actor maintained that he attended no further meetings afterwards.
However, he admitted remaining in contact with Nas.
He also acknowledged forwarding certain social media content, including posts involving comedian Okey Bakassi and another former soldier known online as “EX-Man.”
According to him, one of the videos was shared simply to advise caution.
Fear, Silence And An Arrest
As rumours about an alleged coup plot began circulating publicly, Amandi claimed he grew increasingly worried.
He reportedly visited the Enugu military barracks searching for Nas.
The soldier, he was told, had travelled.
Repeated phone calls allegedly went unanswered.
Eventually, investigators arrived.
Security operatives arrested the filmmaker at his residence on November 11, 2025.
During interrogation, Amandi reportedly admitted that he had considered informing authorities about the discussions.
He claimed fear stopped him.
“I had it in mind to report,” he reportedly stated.
“But there was a subtle threat by Nas that if there was any such leak of the plot, the person would be taken out.”
What Investigators Are Alleging
According to court documents referenced by Premium Times, investigators believe the alleged conspiracy involved serving and retired military officers alongside civilians assigned different operational roles.
Authorities claim some members handled logistics and military strategy, while others allegedly managed financing, media influence and public mobilisation.
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Investigators further allege that key government officials—including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, service chiefs and senior Guards Brigade commanders—were identified as targets.
The alleged conspiracy has resulted in multiple prosecutions before both the Federal High Court in Abuja and a General Court Martial.
Allegations Yet To Be Proven
It is important to note that the allegations against Stanley Amandi remain unproven.
As of the time of filing this report, it was unclear whether criminal charges had been formally filed against the veteran actor.
Those already standing trial before the Federal High Court have denied all allegations.
They have also challenged the admissibility of statements allegedly obtained during military interrogations, arguing that proper legal procedures were not followed.
The prosecution has urged the court to reject those objections.
The Federal High Court is yet to rule on the admissibility of the disputed statements.
Until then, the allegations—including those involving Stanley Amandi—remain matters before the court, where the evidence will ultimately be tested according to law.