Fresh details have emerged on how a popular Nollywood actor, Stanley Amadi, was allegedly drawn into a plot to violently overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Stanley Amadi, a well-known figure in Nigeria’s movie industry, is said to have been arrested in September 2025 alongside several military officers accused of planning an illegal takeover of the federal government. The revelation marks the first public disclosure of the actor’s alleged role in the plot.
Amadi is no stranger to the entertainment scene. Over the years, he built a solid reputation as an actor, director, and production manager. He directed movies such as The Album and Tiger King, which he also produced in 2008, and later produced Cornerstone in 2019. In 2024, he appeared on screen in Once Upon a Dream. He also previously served as chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Enugu State chapter.
According to a report by PREMIUM TIMES, sources familiar with the investigation revealed that Amadi was allegedly recruited by the suspected plotters to serve as a propagandist. Investigators claim his role was not to bear arms but to help shape narratives and messaging in support of the planned takeover.
The report further alleged that the plot went beyond dissent, with top government officials reportedly marked for assassination. Those allegedly listed included President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters has confirmed that investigations into the alleged coup attempt have been concluded. In a statement released on Monday, the military said officers indicted in the matter would be arraigned before military judicial panels.
“The findings identified a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government,” the statement said, adding that such actions were inconsistent with the values and ethics of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The military noted that while indicted officers would face court-martial proceedings, civilians named in the investigation, including Stanley Amadi, would be tried in civil courts.
Reacting to the development earlier, APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe had shared an image of Brigadier General Musa Abubakar on Facebook, alleging that he led the attempted coup against President Tinubu in October 2025. Igbokwe claimed he was informed that Abubakar would be dealt with appropriately, stressing that President Tinubu was not joking about the matter.