NEWS
How Enugu Actor Stanley Amandi Allegedly Became Linked to 2025 Coup Plot as Investigators Reveal Propaganda Role
Fresh details have emerged from the ongoing investigation into the alleged 2025 coup plot in Nigeria, with court documents reportedly revealing how respected Nollywood actor, filmmaker and former Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Enugu State Chairman, Stanley Amandi, allegedly became linked to the conspiracy.
Investigation records obtained by PREMIUM TIMES indicate that Amandi allegedly accepted an assignment to coordinate propaganda activities across Nigeria’s South-East should the planned coup have succeeded.
The revelations are contained in the proof of evidence filed by prosecutors handling the ongoing coup trials before the General Court Martial and the Federal High Court in Abuja. The statement reportedly represents Amandi’s account during interrogation by military investigators and forms part of the prosecution’s evidence against several suspects standing trial.
According to investigators, the alleged coup plot came to light following intelligence reports received in September 2025 about a conspiracy involving serving and retired military officers as well as civilians allegedly recruited to perform different roles in the operation.
The investigation eventually resulted in the arraignment of six defendants before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, money laundering and failure to disclose information. Serving military personnel linked to the case are being tried separately before the General Court Martial.
Investigators believe the alleged conspirators planned to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu while targeting several top government officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, service chiefs and senior Guards Brigade commanders.
Authorities further alleged that while some members of the network handled military planning, logistics and financing, others were assigned civilian responsibilities aimed at influencing public opinion, coordinating public celebrations and creating legitimacy for a new government if the operation succeeded. Investigators say Amandi’s alleged assignment fell within this category.
From Casual Friendship to Security Investigation:-
According to his statement, Amandi said he first met a soldier identified as Warrant Officer Nas during a gathering of filmmakers at Newberries Park, National Museum, Enugu, after delivering a lecture to aspiring actors.
He explained that what started as an ordinary interaction soon developed into a friendship, with the soldier frequently inviting him to the military barracks in Enugu.
Over time, Amandi said he became familiar with life inside the barracks, regularly spending time with soldiers, watching football matches and participating in recreational activities.
The relationship allegedly took a different turn months later when Warrant Officer Nas informed him that Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji was hosting a Ramadan breaking-of-fast gathering in Abuja and wanted him to attend.
Although he initially declined because he was working on a film production, Amandi said the senior officer later called him personally to persuade him to honour the invitation.
His flight was reportedly arranged, and he travelled to Abuja alongside Warrant Officer Nas and the officer’s girlfriend, identified as Cynthia.
According to Amandi, the gathering appeared to be a normal Ramadan event with prayers, meals and social interactions, giving no indication of what would follow.
Political Discussions Allegedly Shifted to Coup Plans:-
After the Ramadan gathering, Amandi said he intended to return to his hotel but was persuaded to accompany others to another hotel in Abuja.
Inside one of the rooms, he found several men engaged in casual conversations before discussions gradually shifted to Nigeria’s political and economic challenges, including fuel subsidy removal, inflation, insecurity and economic hardship.
Amandi said he contributed by discussing the worsening security situation in the South-East.
According to his statement, he soon realised many of those present had attended previous meetings and already understood their expected roles, while he and Cynthia were newcomers.
Investigators alleged that it was during this meeting that specific assignments were allocated.
Alleged South-East Mobilisation Assignment:-
According to investigators, Amandi was allegedly assigned responsibility for coordinating public support across the South-East immediately after the planned takeover.
His alleged responsibilities included organising widespread celebrations to create the impression that Nigerians welcomed the new administration and engaging social media influencers across the five South-East states to promote positive messages supporting the change in government.
He was also reportedly instructed to prepare a mobilisation strategy and submit a detailed budget covering activities across the region.
Amandi stated that when discussions turned to possible appointments under the proposed government, he declined any political position.
He claimed Warrant Officer Nas suggested he could become an ambassador, but he rejected the idea, insisting he was content remaining in Nigeria without any appointment.
₦50 Million Mobilisation Budget:-
Back in Enugu, Amandi said discussions about mobilisation continued.
According to his statement, he warned that mobilising crowds across the South-East would not be easy because many residents were reluctant to participate in organised demonstrations or celebrations without convincing reasons.
Despite his concerns, he said an estimated budget of about ₦50 million was eventually prepared to cover logistics, public celebrations and media coordination across the five South-East states should the alleged coup succeed.
He admitted questioning how such a huge amount would be sourced but claimed he was told not to worry as the proposal would simply be forwarded.
Receipt of ₦100,000 After Abuja Meeting:-
Amandi also admitted receiving ₦100,000 shortly after returning from Abuja.
According to his statement, about a week after the Ramadan event, Warrant Officer Nas informed him that Colonel Ma’aji appreciated his attendance and requested his bank details.
He said the money was subsequently transferred into his account, after which he sent a message expressing appreciation.
Although he maintained that he was never invited to another meeting, he admitted remaining in contact with Warrant Officer Nas and occasionally forwarding social media posts he considered relevant to discussions previously held by members of the group.
These reportedly included content by comedian Okey Bakassi and videos from a former soldier popularly known online as “EX-Man.”
Actor Claims He Considered Reporting the Alleged Plot:-
As reports of an alleged coup plot began circulating publicly, Amandi said he became increasingly concerned and attempted to locate Warrant Officer Nas at the military barracks in Enugu, only to learn he had travelled.
He also claimed repeated attempts to contact the soldier by phone failed because the number was no longer reachable.
On November 11, 2025, security operatives arrested the actor at his residence.
During interrogation, he reportedly told investigators that he had considered reporting what he knew to security authorities but claimed he was discouraged by what he described as an indirect warning from Warrant Officer Nas that anyone responsible for leaking the alleged plot would face serious consequences.
Trial Continues:-
PREMIUM TIMES reported that it is not aware of any criminal charges filed directly against Stanley Amandi in connection with the alleged coup plot.
Meanwhile, the defendants currently standing trial before the Federal High Court and the General Court Martial have denied all allegations against them.
Those facing trial at the Federal High Court have also challenged the admissibility of statements and video recordings obtained during military interrogations, arguing that they were secured in violation of due process and should be rejected by the court. The prosecution has opposed their application, while the court is yet to deliver a ruling on the matter.
Source: PREMIUM TIMES