Investigators Trace Alleged Coup Propaganda Network To Veteran Nollywood Actor
By NJORIGE LYNUS
An Actor’s Journey from Entertainment to a National Security Investigation
A chance encounter between a respected Nollywood actor and a serving soldier has emerged as one of the most intriguing narratives in Nigeria’s ongoing investigations into an alleged 2025 coup plot, illustrating how informal personal relationships can become central to complex national security investigations.
Court documents and investigation records obtained by investigators indicate that Stanley Amandi, a veteran actor, filmmaker and former Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Enugu State chapter, allegedly became involved in discussions linked to an alleged conspiracy to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The account forms part of the prosecution’s proof of evidence before the Federal High Court and the General Court Martial, where several military officers and civilians are standing trial.
The documents represent investigators’ version of events, based largely on Mr. Amandi’s extrajudicial statement recorded during military interrogation. Like other evidence already tendered in the matter, the claims remain subject to judicial scrutiny, while several defendants have denied wrongdoing and challenged the admissibility of statements obtained during investigations.
A Wider Investigation into an Alleged Coup Network
Security investigations into the alleged plot began after intelligence reports reportedly uncovered what authorities described as a coordinated plan involving serving military officers, retired personnel and civilians assigned different responsibilities.
Investigators alleged that members of the network were divided into specialised operational groups responsible for military planning, logistics, funding, intelligence gathering, public mobilisation and propaganda designed to legitimise a proposed post-coup administration.
Previous investigation records have alleged the procurement of vehicles, financial transfers, logistical preparations and recruitment of civilians. Mr. Amandi’s alleged role, according to investigators, fell within the information and public mobilisation component of the operation.
The Federal Government has since filed treason, terrorism and money laundering charges against several suspects before the Federal High Court, while serving military officers are facing proceedings before a General Court Martial.
How an Ordinary Meeting Allegedly Became an Extraordinary Story
According to Mr. Amandi’s statement, everything began after he delivered a lecture to aspiring filmmakers during a gathering at Newberries Park inside the National Museum in Enugu.
Following the programme, a soldier identified as Warrant Officer Nas reportedly approached him for a photograph.
What appeared to be an ordinary interaction gradually developed into friendship.
The actor recalled that although he initially felt uncomfortable around military personnel, repeated invitations from the soldier gradually changed his perception.
He said he began visiting military barracks frequently, interacting with officers and participating in recreational activities including football viewing, badminton and table tennis.
According to his statement, the barracks eventually became a familiar environment where he spent considerable time.
Investigators have not indicated whether the initial encounter was purely coincidental or whether the actor had been deliberately approached from the outset.
The Abuja Invitation That Changed the Narrative
The friendship allegedly entered a different phase when Warrant Officer Nas informed the actor that Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji was hosting a Ramadan breaking-of-fast gathering in Abuja.
Mr. Amandi initially declined because of filmmaking commitments.
However, according to his statement, Colonel Ma’aji later contacted him personally and persuaded him to attend.
His flight was reportedly arranged, and he travelled to Abuja alongside Warrant Officer Nas and another guest identified as Cynthia.
The actor described the gathering as a normal Ramadan event involving prayers, meals and social interactions.
Nothing during the occasion, he said, suggested that discussions concerning an alleged coup plot would later emerge.
Political Discussions & Alleged Assignments
According to investigation records, events took a dramatic turn after the Ramadan gathering concluded.
Rather than returning to his hotel, the actor joined other attendees who travelled to another hotel in Abuja.
Inside one of the rooms, discussions reportedly shifted from casual conversations to national politics, economic hardship, insecurity, inflation and governance challenges.
Mr. Amandi stated that many participants appeared familiar with one another and already understood their expected responsibilities.
He and Cynthia, however, were reportedly newcomers.
Investigators alleged that specific civilian assignments were then discussed.
According to Mr. Amandi’s statement, he was allegedly asked to coordinate public mobilisation throughout Nigeria’s South-east should the proposed military takeover succeed.
His alleged responsibilities included organising public celebrations, coordinating regional mobilisation and working with social media influencers to project legitimacy for a new administration.
Investigators believe these assignments formed part of broader efforts to shape public perception immediately after the proposed takeover.
The Alleged Mobilisation Budget
Back in Enugu, discussions reportedly continued regarding how such mobilisation might be organised.
Mr. Amandi told investigators that he expressed doubts about residents’ willingness to participate in organised demonstrations.
Nevertheless, an estimated budget of about ₦50 million was reportedly prepared to fund logistics, public events and communication activities across the five South-east states.
According to his statement, he questioned how such funding could be sourced.
He said his concerns were dismissed, with assurances that financing would be arranged.
Financial Transactions & Continuing Contact
Investigators also examined financial transactions linked to the meetings.
Mr. Amandi admitted receiving ₦100,000 after the Abuja visit.
According to his statement, Warrant Officer Nas informed him that Colonel Ma’aji appreciated his attendance at the Ramadan gathering.
He subsequently supplied his account details and later received the payment.
He insisted the money represented appreciation rather than payment for any assignment.
The actor also acknowledged maintaining occasional communication with members of the group by forwarding social media content, including videos and political commentary that he considered relevant.
Claim of Intended Disclosure
As media reports about an alleged coup plot later surfaced, Mr. Amandi said he became increasingly uncomfortable.
According to his statement, he attempted unsuccessfully to locate Warrant Officer Nas and claimed he had considered informing security authorities.
However, he alleged that previous conversations with the soldier discouraged him from doing so because he feared possible consequences if the discussions were disclosed.
Legal Questions Await Judicial Determination
Although Mr. Amandi’s statement forms part of investigation records submitted by prosecutors, there is currently no public indication that he has been formally charged in relation to the alleged coup.
Meanwhile, defendants standing trial before both the Federal High Court and the General Court Martial have denied all allegations.
They have challenged the admissibility of statements recorded during interrogation, arguing that due process was not followed.
The prosecution disputes those claims and maintains that investigators acted within the law.
Ultimately, the courts will determine the credibility of the evidence, the admissibility of the disputed statements and whether the allegations can be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
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