By Gideon Maxwell
September 2, 2024
The Nigeria Police Force has declared a British national, Andrew Wynne, and a Nigerian citizen, Lucky Ehis Obiyan, wanted for their alleged involvement in a plot to overthrow the democratically elected government of President Bola Tinubu.
Details of the allegations:
In a press briefing held in Abuja on Monday, Police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi revealed that Andrew Wynne, also known as Andrew Povich or Drew Povey, had been identified as a key figure in the plot.
Wynne is accused of building a network of sleeper cells aimed at destabilizing the Nigerian government and causing widespread chaos.
Activities and cover operations:
Wynne allegedly rented a space at Labour House in Abuja for an ‘Iva Valley Bookshop’ and established ‘STARS of Nations Schools’ as a cover for his subversive activities.
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He is said to have issued directives, monitored progress, and provided financial and operational guidance to his collaborators to achieve unconstitutional regime change in Nigeria.
Financial backing and violent protests:
The police investigation found that Wynne mobilized and deployed substantial financial resources, amounting to several billions of naira, to his Nigerian collaborators.
He urged them to violently storm police facilities and military barracks, anticipating a bloodbath that would instigate international condemnation of the Nigerian government.
These actions are in clear violation of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 and other relevant laws.
Global manhunt and arrests:
Since the commencement of investigations, Andrew Wynne has fled the country.
Both he and his local coordinator, Lucky Ehis Obiyan, have been declared wanted, and a global manhunt has been launched to bring them to justice.
Collaboration with other agencies:
The Nigeria Police Force has collaborated with other security agencies to apprehend nine suspects who received significant financial backing from foreign sources to destabilize the country.
These suspects have been arraigned for charges including criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
Police response:
Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has activated INTERPOL tools and other global policing networks to support the ongoing domestic investigations.
The police have assured that they will protect citizens’ constitutional rights while dealing with subversive activities.
This development highlights a significant security concern for the Nigerian government, with allegations of foreign involvement in attempts to destabilize the country.
The situation is being closely monitored by both domestic and international authorities.
