By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja
The quiet arrest of Stanley Amandi, a Nollywood actor and former chairman of the Enugu State chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), has stirred fresh questions about an ongoing national security probe involving both military officers and civilians.
Amandi was reportedly taken into custody earlier this week in Enugu during a low-key operation carried out without prior public notice. Details surrounding the arrest initially remained unclear, leaving even members of his family uncertain about which security agency was responsible.
Confusion Over Arresting Agency
According to sources familiar with the situation, relatives first suspected the Department of State Services (DSS) due to the discreet nature of the operation and the lack of immediate communication.
However, formal notification later confirmed that Amandi is being held by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), the military’s external intelligence service.
The delayed clarification has highlighted the secrecy surrounding the investigation, which authorities have described as highly sensitive.
Family Seeks Medical and Legal Access
After learning of his detention, Amandi’s family reportedly contacted the DIA to request visitation rights for his wife, legal representatives, and a medical doctor.
The request was said to be based on health concerns, as the actor is believed to suffer from hypertension.
It remains uncertain whether the agency has granted the family’s request.
Alleged Role in Media and Messaging
While security agencies have yet to publicly outline the exact allegations, reports suggest investigators do not view Amandi as directly involved in operational or military planning.
Instead, he is believed to have been linked to what officials describe as the “media and messaging” aspect of the suspected plot. Authorities suspect he may have been positioned to influence public narratives or help legitimize an unconstitutional takeover attempt, categorizing him as a civilian collaborator rather than a key planner.
Wider National Security Crackdown
Amandi’s arrest is said to be part of a broader sweep targeting an alleged network of serving military officers and civilian associates accused of plotting to destabilize President Bola Tinubu’s government.
Intelligence sources indicate the investigation began after a serving officer reportedly alerted senior commanders to suspicious meetings and unusual conversations within the ranks. Subsequent assessments pointed to a small group allegedly exploring ways to undermine Nigeria’s democratic order.
Security agencies then launched coordinated arrests across different locations to prevent what officials described as a potential escalation.
What initially appeared to be routine disciplinary matters within the armed forces were later reclassified as national security concerns.
Growing Public Interest
The involvement of a well-known Nollywood figure has drawn significant public attention, as it is uncommon for someone from the entertainment industry to be linked to allegations of this scale.
As investigations continue, calls are increasing for authorities to provide greater transparency regarding the legal grounds for the arrests and the evidence supporting the claims, while balancing the need to protect sensitive intelligence operations.
For now, many questions remain unanswered as Stanley Amandi’s case unfolds amid one of Nigeria’s most discreet and complex security investigations in recent years.
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