Fresh details have emerged linking an Igbo civilian to the alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marking the first time an individual of Igbo extraction has been associated with the foiled scheme, despite the absence of any Igbo among the principal alleged plotters.
Investigations by PREMIUM TIMES revealed that Stanley Amandi, a Nollywood filmmaker and actor, was arrested in September 2025 alongside several military officers accused of plotting a violent overthrow of the Tinubu administration.
Amandi, a former chairman of the Enugu State chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), is so far the only Igbo individual linked to the case. However, he was not accused of being part of the military conspiracy but was allegedly recruited as a civilian operative to handle propaganda-related activities.
According to findings, the alleged coup plot was coordinated by military officers from other regions of the country, with no Igbo officer or political figure named among those accused of planning or executing the operation.
Security sources familiar with the investigation said Amandi was allegedly engaged to help shape narratives and public messaging in support of the plotters’ objectives.
Government briefings on the matter allege that the conspirators planned a violent seizure of power and had reportedly marked top government officials for elimination. Those allegedly targeted included President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, among others.
Authorities say the plot was uncovered before it could be carried out, leading to the arrest of several military officers and civilian collaborators across different parts of the country.
Amandi is a familiar name in Nigeria’s film industry, with experience in acting, directing, and production management. His works include The Album, which he directed; Tiger King, which he directed and produced in 2008; Cornerstone, produced in 2019; and Once Upon a Dream, where he appeared as an actor in 2024.
His social media activity reportedly stopped shortly before his arrest, with his last Instagram post dated September 19, 2025.
Observers say the involvement of an Igbo civilian has attracted public attention, especially given Nigeria’s long-standing sensitivities around ethnicity and national security. They also emphasize that the core allegations remain focused on non-Igbo military officers, while investigations are still ongoing.
Legal proceedings have not been concluded, and authorities stress that all individuals linked to the case are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
