The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has declared a British national, Andrew Wynne, wanted for allegedly plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government. The police issued a wanted notice for Wynne, accusing him of conspiring to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, through the #EndBadGovernance protests.

The police accused Wynne of setting up a “network of sleeper cells to topple the government and plunge the nation into chaos”. The police also accused him of receiving substantial financial backing from foreign sources to destabilize the country, orchestrating and funding violent protests, and spreading misinformation. The authorities claimed that these activities were intended to create chaos and justify an unlawful attempt to topple the government.

The police, in a statement by its spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, revealed that Wynne rented a space at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) headquarters in Abuja for “Iva Valley Bookshop and established STARS of Nations Schools as a cover for his subversive activities”.

The police claimed that Wynne issued directives, monitored progress, and provided finance and operational guidance to achieve unconstitutional regime change in Nigeria. The authorities also alleged that Wynne mobilized and deployed several billions of naira to his Nigerian collaborators, urging them to mobilize the public to violently storm police facilities and military barracks, anticipating a bloodbath that would instigate international condemnation of the Nigerian government.

The police said the arrest of nine suspects who allegedly received significant foreign funding to incite violence and spread misinformation is a testament to the thoroughness of their investigation.

Who Is Andrew Wynne?

Andrew Wynne, also known as Andrew Povich or Drew Povey, is a British national who has been accused of orchestrating and financing the #EndBadGovernance protests. The police claimed that he built a network of sleeper cells to topple the government and plunge the nation into chaos.

Background

The police investigation revealed that Wynne rented a space at Labour House, Abuja, for an “Iva Valley Bookshop” and established “STARS of Nations Schools” as a cover for his subversive activities.

Accusations

The police have accused Wynne of:

• Receiving substantial financial backing from foreign sources to destabilize the country.
• Orchestrating and funding violent protests.
• Disseminating false information and engaging in other unlawful activities to create anarchy.
• Providing finance and operational guidance to achieve unconstitutional regime change in Nigeria.
• Mobilizing and deploying several billions of naira to his Nigerian collaborators to incite violence against police facilities and military barracks.

Implications of the Investigation

The investigation is a serious development that highlights the growing concern over foreign interference in Nigeria’s politics.

The police’s claims that Wynne and his collaborators attempted to overthrow the government through violence have raised concerns about the security of the country. The police also alleged that Wynne and his Nigerian collaborators intended to create a bloodbath that would instigate international condemnation of the Nigerian government.

The police are currently hunting for Wynne and his local coordinator, Lucky Ehis Obiyan, who has also been declared wanted.

Arrests

The police have already arrested 10 other suspects who are accused of playing roles in the alleged plot to overthrow the government. These suspects were arraigned before a competent court of law on Monday, September 2, 2024, for Criminal Conspiracy, Terrorism Financing, Treasonable Felony, Subversion, and Cybercrime.

International Collaboration

The Nigerian Police has activated INTERPOL tools and other global policing networks to support ongoing domestic investigations aimed at locating and apprehending the suspects at large.

Reaction to the Investigation

The investigation has been met with mixed reactions. While some have praised the police for their swift action, others have raised concerns about the potential for abuse of power. Some Nigerians have criticized the government for their handling of the protests.

Criticism of the government's actions

Critics argue that the government is using the investigation as a way to suppress dissent and silence its critics. They also alleged that the government is using the investigation as an excuse to crack down on opposition groups and human rights activists.

The Importance of Due Process

It is important to note that Wynne and the other suspects are innocent until proven guilty. The police have a responsibility to investigate these allegations thoroughly and fairly. They must also ensure that the suspects’ rights are protected throughout the process.

Conclusion: A Time For Unity

The alleged plot to overthrow the government is a serious matter that requires a measured and responsible response. The government must take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of the nation. However, they must also ensure that the rights of all citizens are protected. This is a time for unity and dialogue, not division and conflict. The Nigerian people must come together to address the challenges facing the country.

It is important to ensure that all investigations are conducted in a fair and transparent manner and that the rights of all citizens are protected. This investigation is a stark reminder of the importance of protecting the country’s democratic institutions and ensuring that all citizens have a voice in shaping the future of the nation.