Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Former Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Enugu State chapter, Stanley K. Amadi, has been arrested in connection with an alleged failed attempt to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The arrest of the Nollywood actor and director was made public less than a week after the identities of 16 military officers, already taken into custody in connection with the coup attempt, were disclosed.
A source from AGN revealed that Amadi was arrested in September 2025.
The filmmaker is alleged to have been engaged as a media propagandist by the suspected coup planners, who reportedly aimed to assassinate senior government officials.
Government officials familiar with the investigation stated that the accused officers had allegedly mapped out a violent seizure of power, with President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas reportedly listed for assassination.
On Monday, the Defence Headquarters confirmed the existence of an unlawful plot to unseat the Tinubu administration, adding that the implicated officers would face trial before military judicial panels.
In a statement, the Defence Headquarters said investigations had been concluded and submitted to the “appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.”
The military described the probe as “comprehensive,” noting it covered “all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.”
The statement further revealed that the inquiry uncovered “a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government,” stressing that such conduct is “inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
Amadi has appeared in and worked behind the scenes on several Nollywood projects, building a career as an actor, director, and production manager. His film credits include The Album (director), Tiger King (director and producer, 2008), Cornerstone (2019), and Once Upon a Dream (2024), in which he also acted.
His most recent Instagram post was made on September 19, 2025, just days before his arrest.
