The detention of Nollywood actor and former Enugu State chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Stanley Amandi, was carried out discreetly, with limited early details, highlighting the delicate nature of Nigeria’s latest national security probe.
Sources familiar with the development said Amandi was arrested earlier in the week in Enugu. The operation was conducted quietly and without an immediate public briefing, leaving even his relatives unsure at first which security agency handled the arrest.
Family members initially assumed operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) were responsible, based on how the arrest was executed and the lack of prompt information. It was later clarified through official communication that he was actually in the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), which handles military external intelligence.
The confusion over the arresting authority reflects the secrecy surrounding the investigation. The probe reportedly involves both military personnel and civilians over an alleged scheme aimed at removing President Bola Tinubu’s administration. So far, security agencies have not released detailed public statements about the arrests or specific accusations.
After confirmation of his detention, Amandi’s family contacted the DIA seeking permission for visits from his wife, lawyer, and a medical doctor, pointing to existing health concerns, including high blood pressure. It is not yet known if those requests have been approved.
Reports indicate investigators do not consider Amandi part of any operational planning but believe he may be connected to the communication aspect of the alleged plot. Authorities suspect he could have been positioned to support media messaging that would make an unconstitutional change in government appear acceptable, classifying him as a civilian associate rather than a central figure.
His arrest is said to be part of a broader operation that followed earlier quiet detentions within the armed forces. According to intelligence sources, the investigation started after a serving officer reported suspicious meetings and discussions among colleagues. Further checks allegedly pointed to a small group attempting to undermine the country’s democratic system.
Security operatives then carried out coordinated arrests in different locations to disrupt the suspected network and prevent further developments. What first looked like routine internal military disciplinary matters was later upgraded to a national security case.
Because of Amandi’s public status in the entertainment industry, his detention has attracted significant attention, as such high-profile creative figures are rarely linked to cases of this scale. As inquiries continue, authorities are under increasing pressure to explain the legal grounds for the arrests and present supporting evidence, while maintaining the confidentiality of the ongoing investigation.
