Police Hunt British National Andrew Wynne for Alleged Plot to Topple President Tinubu
The Nigerian Police have issued a wanted notice for Andrew Wynne, a British national, accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Wynne is alleged to have sponsored the EndBadgovernance protests that occurred from August 1 to 10, 2024, according to News360 Nigeria.
The Nigerian Police Force stated that Wynne has fled the country since investigations began. They have also declared Lucky Ehis Obiyan, one of his local coordinators, wanted. A global search for both individuals has been launched.
ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, revealed on Monday that the investigation has led to the arrest of nine individuals who received significant foreign funding to destabilize Nigeria. These suspects are accused of orchestrating and financing violent protests, spreading misinformation, and engaging in activities aimed at inciting chaos to justify an illegal attempt to overthrow the democratically elected government.
Wynne, also known as Andrew Povich or Drew Povey, allegedly created a network of sleeper cells to disrupt the Nigerian government. He purportedly used a rented space in Abuja, disguised as ‘Iva Valley Bookshop’ and ‘STARS of Nations Schools,’ to conceal his activities.
Evidence and confessions indicate that Wynne provided financial support and operational guidance to his Nigerian associates, directing them to incite violence against police stations and military barracks in hopes of triggering international condemnation of the Nigerian government.
These actions violate the Terrorism (Prevention) Act of 2011 and other relevant laws. The ten suspects already apprehended have been charged with criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has condemned the group’s activities and activated INTERPOL and other global policing networks to assist in locating and apprehending Wynne and Obiyan. The IGP assured the public that the police will rigorously pursue justice for any threats to national security and democracy. He also emphasized the importance of protecting citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly while cautioning against those who exploit protests for personal gain.
